Behavioral Health Integration: Opportunities and Advancements for Primary Care and Beyond
AHLA thanks the leaders of the Behavioral Health Practice Group for contributing this feature article.
- June 01, 2023
- Jeanna Palmer Gunville , Polsinelli PC
- Sarah Jean Kansagra , Norton Rose Fulbright
The COVID-19 pandemic-related isolation, unemployment, and economic stressors, as well as social injustice, natural disasters, national politics, and global conflict have pushed behavioral health needs in the United States to the forefront. While rates of substance use disorders (SUDs), suicides, and mental health conditions were already significant prior to the pandemic, the demand for behavioral health services continues to grow substantially, and patients of all backgrounds are experiencing difficulties accessing the level of care they need. Current legislative, regulatory, and market factors, together with longstanding access issues, are converging to create areas of opportunity for integration of behavioral health care into primary care and other settings. From new models that reimburse for coordinated care, to increasing telehealth flexibilities, to finding and forming relationships with partners to support integrated care, providers, investors, and other stakeholders have much to consider.
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