Behavioral Health Integration

Organized, evidence-based care (OEBC) is care that is based on scientific evidence and planned and delivered so that the team optimizes the health of its entire panel of patients.

Behavioral health problems are common, significantly impact patient health and quality of life, and are often co-morbid with physical health problems. If patients' behavioral health problems go un- or under-treated, it is more challenging to address their physical health problems. As such, providing care for patients' behavioral health problems is a critical component of OEBC. Behavioral health care can be delivered in the primary care setting by an "integrated care team" of primary care providers, behavioral health providers, and support staff who work together to identify and treat patients.

Behavioral Health Integration Resources

Implementation Guides

Behavioral Health Integration Executive Summary

Organized, Evidence-Based Care: Behavioral Health Integration Guide
This Implementation Guide provides guidance and tools a primary care practice can use to develop a vision for integrated care, create a customized implementation plan reflective of its goals and resources, and build strong integrated care teams.

Tools

Making the Case for Change and Overcoming Resistance

Common Barriers and Strategies to Support Effective Health Care Teams for Integrated Behavioral Health

GROW Pathway Planning Worksheet

GROW Pathway Completed Example

Resources to Support Behavioral Health Integration

Case Examples

Dorchester House Multi-Service Center Integrates Behavioral Health into Adult Primary Care

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center Adapts to Integrate Behavioral Health with Primary Care

Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care: Lessons Learned from Central City Concern's Old Town Clinic

At CareSouth Carolina, Behavioral Health Care Meets the Health Needs of the "Whole Person"

Webinars

Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care (December 10, 2014)
Moderator: Melinda Abrams, MS, The Commonwealth Fund
Speakers: Jürgen Unützer, MD, Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions Center (Seattle, WA); Andrea Fox, MD, Squirrel Hill Health Center (Pittsburgh, PA); Martin K. Abdo, Harborview Medical Center (Seattle, WA)
Webinar recording and slides

Integration of Behavioral Health Services into the Medical Home (November 17, 2010)
Moderator: Sharon Eloranta, MD, Qualis Health
Speakers: Barbara Mauer, MSW, CMC, MCPP Healthcare Consulting (Seattle, WA); Lori Abrams Berry, MPH, MSW, Lynn Community Health Center (Lynn, MA); Mark Alexakos, MD, MPP, Lynn Community Health Center (Lynn, MA)
Audio & video program
Presentation slides