The Association's primary objectives are to: promote accountability of health plans; manage behavioral healthcare organizations and providers through performance measurement; promote nondiscriminatory coverage of mental illness and substance use disorders in health benefits; explain the potential and value of managed care approaches; support the work of the larger mental illness and substance use disorders communities; support meaningful consumer rights and protections; and promote coordination of behavioral healthcare within the broader health care system.

In January 1997, in an effort to further these objectives, AMBHA developed a Bill of Rights for Consumers Accessing Behavioral Health Services. In 1998, AMBHA voluntarily added provisions to its Bill of Rights. AMBHA member companies believe that a Code of Conduct is the next logical step in demonstrating our commitment to providing quality healthcare to the individuals we serve.

Guiding our efforts are the goals of ensuring that healthcare is:
Accessible to all
Accountable to consumers, families, providers, and purchasers
Affordable to payors.