Behavioral Health

What is Integrated Care?

Integrated Care combines primary health care and mental health care in one setting.  This is an important model of care because:

•  Primary care settings, like a doctor's office, provide about half of all mental health care for common psychiatric disorders
  
•  Adults with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders also have higher rates of chronic physical illnesses and die earlier than the general population
•  People with common physical health conditions also have higher rates of mental health issues.

Providing Integrated Care helps patients and their providers. It blends the expertise of mental health, substance use, and primary care clinicians, with feedback from patients and their caregivers. This creates a team-based approach where mental health care and general medical care are offered in the same setting. Coordinating primary care and mental health care in this way can help address the physical health problems of people with serious mental illnesses.

Why Is It Important?

Addressing the whole person and his or her physical and behavioral health is essential for positive health outcomes and cost-effective care. Many people may not have access to mental health care or may prefer to visit their primary health care provider. Although most primary care providers can treat mental disorders, particularly through medication, that may not be enough for some patients. Historically, it has been difficult for a primary care provider to offer effective, high-quality mental health care when working alone. Combining mental health services/expertise with primary care can reduce costs, increase the quality of care, and ultimately, save lives.

Addressing Physical and Behavioral Health

Untreated or under treated mental illnesses have serious consequences. People with severe mental illness often die 13-30 years earlier than the general population from medical conditions that could have been treated by a primary care provider.

What is Behavioral Health Consultation

Behavioral Health Consultation is available to all patients within The Joy Janssen Clinic. Our goal is to provide quality care for you when behaviors, stress, or emotional concerns and other problems are disruptive to your life and affect your health. A behavioral health consultation may be requested by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider.  As part of integrated care, a behavioral health provider is available during clinic hours to meet with you and your primary care provider to discuss appropriate treatment and referral options.

Reference: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/integrated-care/index.shtml
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