Why Behavioral Health Integration Is Critical for Patient Care
The term ‘behavioral health’ encompasses both mental health and substance abuse issues. Historically, mental health and addiction treatment have been siloed, with separate providers, payment systems, and different standards of care. However, over the last decade, there has been a significant shift towards integrating behavioral health into primary care. This integration has been driven by research showing that patients benefit from integrated care and that it leads to better outcomes overall.
The State of Behavioral Health in the US Healthcare System
The demand for behavioral health services in the United States has increased dramatically over the last decade. A significant portion of the US population, particularly those with low incomes and those living in rural areas, is underserved when it comes to behavioral health care. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 60% of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment. And only 10% of people with substance abuse disorder get care that meets professional standards.
Additionally, the cost of behavioral care delivery in a siloed approach adds to the burden on the healthcare system. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the direct cost of mental health treatment, excluding substance abuse treatment, was $228 billion in 2017. The cost of substance abuse treatment was $9.1 billion.
The Advantages of Behavioral Health Integration
The integration of behavioral health into primary care has many advantages.
First, it provides a more holistic approach to patient care. By combining physical and mental health under one roof, patients receive more comprehensive care, and physicians can more easily identify and manage their behavioral health problems.
Second, it reduces stigma. When patients receive behavioral health services within a primary care setting, they are less likely to experience stigma. Since there is no separate behavioral health facility, they can receive care in a more normalized environment.
Third, it increases access to care. Patients are more likely to seek out care for behavioral health issues when they can receive it in one place. They don’t have to navigate a separate behavioral health system to receive care.
Fourth, it reduces healthcare costs. By integrating behavioral health into primary care, primary care providers are better able to deliver preventative care, identify issues early, and manage chronic problems.
Barriers to Behavioral Health Integration
While there are many benefits to integrating behavioral health into primary care, there are also significant barriers to implementation.
First, there is a significant shortage of behavioral health providers. The number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health providers is insufficient, particularly in rural areas.
Second, there is a lack of reimbursement mechanisms for integrated behavioral healthcare. Current payment policies do not support the delivery of behavioral health services within primary care settings.
Third, primary care providers are not always adequately trained in behavioral health. They need additional training to identify, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.
Conclusion
Behavioral health integration is critical for patient care. It provides patients with more comprehensive care, reduces stigma, and increases access to care, while also reducing healthcare costs. However, implementing behavioral health integration is not straightforward. Significant barriers to integration remain, including a shortage of providers, payment barriers, and a lack of workforce training. Nonetheless, the benefits of behavioral health integration are clear, and it will remain an essential priority for policymakers and healthcare providers for years to come.
