Integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care
People with mental and substance abuse disorders often die decades earlier than the average person. The tragedy is that often these premature deaths are caused by untreated and preventable chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease that are aggravated by poor health habits such as inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, smoking, and substance abuse. Barriers to primary care, coupled with challenges in navigating complex healthcare system, have been a major obstacle to care.
The solution to saving lives and improving the quality of life for those that we serve lies in integrated care, the systematic coordination of general and behavioral healthcare. Integrating mental health, substance abuse, and primary care services produces the best outcomes and proves the most effective approach to caring for people with behavioral health needs. *
There are varied models of integrated care; they differ by provider, setting, and intensity and level of integration. New Jersey DMHAS has partnered with the Division of Medical Assistance to develop Behavioral Health Homes (BHH). The BHH is a high intensity service targeting those with the most need.
*http://www.samhsa.gov
New Jersey's Integrated Care Models
Health Homes
Behavioral Health In Primary Care Settings
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Section 223 Demonstration Program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
