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Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care

Important recent findings indicate that while approximately 50% of all behavioral health care was delivered in a medical setting, many behavioral disorders were undiagnosed and others were under-treated. But health care professionals are now looking at a more comprehensive approach to patient care, utilizing a treatment system in which coordinated and holistic avenues of care generate more desirable outcomes, leading to a healthier society.

Numerous obstacles stand in the way of bringing integration of primary care and behavioral health into mainstream medicine. Indiana has created a Transformation Work Group aimed towards bringing an integrated health system into the state. The Indiana Primary Health Care Association invited behavioral health and primary care providers, as well as provider and consumer associations, throughout Indiana to participate in a survey on integration practices. Dr. Kathleen O’Connell, Ph.D. R.N., Associate Vice Chancellor and Director, Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute, Indiana University, Purdue University at Fort Wayne and Matt Brooks, Executive Director, Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers lended their expertise to the project. Indiana Primary Health Care Association comprehensively addresses barriers and precedent cases of integration of behavioral health and primary care with recommendations for multiple key stakeholders. 

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