Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Care

With the high prevalence of mental health disorders in the United States and relatively low rates of specialty mental health treatment, primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact with patients with behavioral health issues. It is essential that PCPs can deliver effective mental health treatment. Integrating behavioral health care into primary care involves multiple changes throughout the primary care organization. This entry describes evidence-based models for delivering mental health care in primary care settings as well as examines challenges to implementing these models and new opportunities resulting from health care reform.