About

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Years Experience

About Next Step Health & Human Service Consulting

Next Step Health & Human Service Consulting was founded by Tanya Brice with a clear vision: to make quality accreditation and licensing accessible to behavioral health organizations of all sizes. After witnessing firsthand the challenges that many agencies face when navigating complex regulatory systems, Tanya realized there was a significant need for a different kind of consulting partner—one that truly understood both sides of the accreditation process.
Drawing on her extensive experience as both a behavioral health practitioner and CARF surveyor, Tanya created Next Step to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and practical implementation. Today, the company stands as a trusted ally for organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, helping them not just meet standards but thrive as a result of the quality improvement process.

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Our Mission & Core Values

At Next Step, we assist individuals and organizations to build better programs that result in safer and more prosperous communities. We understand that human service agencies are under tremendous pressure to perform, and our process helps programs connect the dots between clinical, administrative, and community engagement.

Excellence

We maintain a 100% approval rate for both preliminary and three-year accreditations because we're committed to excellence in everything we do.

Partnership

We don't just consult—we partner with you throughout your quality journey.

Affordability

We believe that expert guidance shouldn't be out of reach for any organization committed to quality improvement.

Community Impact

We measure our success not just by accreditation certificates, but by how our work strengthens communities through better services.

Growth Mindset

We foster sustainable growth and continuous improvement in all the organizations we serve.

What Sets Us Apart

At Next Step, we assist individuals and organizations to build better programs that result in safer and more prosperous communities. We understand that human service agencies are under tremendous pressure to perform, and our process helps programs connect the dots between clinical, administrative, and community engagement.

Surveyor Expertise

As a current CARF surveyor, Tanya brings invaluable insider knowledge to the preparation process, anticipating what reviewers look for and how to meet expectations effectively.

Comprehensive Support

We don't just help with documentation—our process connects clinical operations, administrative functions, and community engagement into a cohesive quality system.

Proven Results

Our client organizations achieve a 100% approval rate and grow at an average rate of 45% annually after working with us.

Ongoing Partnership

Through our client portal and liaison services, we maintain relationships long after the initial accreditation, helping you stay prepared for audits and evolving regulatory changes.

Practical Implementation

We translate complex standards into practical, effective policies and procedures that work in the real world, not just on paper.

Our Approach

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Partnership Philosophy

At Next Step, we don’t see ourselves as outside consultants, but as extensions of your team. We roll up our sleeves and work alongside you, understanding your unique challenges and strengths. This collaborative approach ensures that accreditation preparations strengthen your organization from within rather than imposing external systems that don’t fit your culture or clients.

Connecting the Dots Methodology

Our signature approach helps programs connect three essential elements:

Clinical Excellence

Ensuring that direct services meet best practice standards and are client-centered

Administrative Efficiency

Creating documentation and processes that support quality without overwhelming staff

Community Engagement:

Linking your services to broader community needs and measuring real-world impact

Our signature approach helps programs connect three essential elements:

Long-term Growth Focus

While achieving accreditation is a significant milestone, we measure success by what happens afterward. Our strategic planning process helps organizations grow at an average rate of 45% annually, typically adding 1–2 new services or locations per year. We’re committed to your long-term success, providing ongoing performance management assistance so your stakeholders understand the connection between your services and outcomes for persons served.

Partnership Philosophy

Next Step Health & Human Service Consulting provides specialized behavioral health business development services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Our localized knowledge of state regulations and accreditation requirements allows us to offer targeted, relevant guidance to organizations in:

Maryland

Extensive experience with Maryland Behavioral Health Administration requirements and licensure processes

Washington, D.C.

Specialized knowledge of District behavioral health regulations and funding systems

Virginia:

Familiarity with Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services requirements

Pennsylvania

Experience with Pennsylvania licensure and accreditation requirements

Delaware

Knowledge of Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health standards

Our regional focus allows us to provide not just general accreditation guidance, but specific insights into local regulatory environments, funding opportunities, and quality expectations—giving our clients a significant advantage in their accreditation journey.

Ready to take the Next Step in your accreditation journey?