View the presentation slides.

This presentation explains how behavioral health system navigation functions as a low‑barrier, short‑term support to help individuals, families, and providers understand options, overcome access barriers, and connect to appropriate care across Iowa’s behavioral health system. It also clarifies how navigation fits within the broader continuum, supporting smoother transitions and preventing people from falling through the cracks.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

1. Describe the background, purpose and scope of behavioral health system navigation, available through Iowa Primary Care Association;
2. Understand how to access system navigation and how the “no wrong door” approach reduces barriers and increases confident connections to care.

Abbey Ferenzi, LMHC
Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services, Iowa Primary Care Association

Bio: Abbey Ferenzi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Iowa Primary Care Association, where she plays a central role in advancing Iowa’s behavioral health system transformation. With over 24 years of experience dedicated to behavioral health services, Abbey is deeply invested in collaborative, innovative approaches that strengthen Iowa’s behavioral health infrastructure and improve lives statewide.

Emma Hall, MBA, MA
Director of System Navigation, Iowa Primary Care Association

Bio: Emma Hall serves as the Director of System Navigation for Iowa Primary Care Association. Emma has more than a decade of experience in human services, including work within child welfare, behavioral health and disability services, and crisis care coordination. and is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Outside of her role at Iowa PCA, Emma is the founder and board president of a rural non-profit working to address food insecurity. Emma earned her Bachelor of Art in Psychology, Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University.