One of the major challenges facing healthcare delivery systems
today involves the linkage, coordination and integration of
primary care and mental health services. The historic separation
of physical and psychiatric healthcare is no longer meeting
people’s needs. Too many go without their mental health needs
being adequately identified and addressed. Of equal concern is
the substantial physical suffering and premature death for
individuals with serious mental illness.
The California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions, in
collaboration with a range of partners from government, academia
and the service delivery sectors amongst others, is working on
several initiatives to address the pressing need for improved
linkage and access. Changes in policy, administration, and
practice will be required to improve the current circumstance;
solutions lie in developing and better managing a continuum of
care ranging from coordination and collaboration to partial and
full integration.
CIBHS can help coordinate care and integrate services. For more
information, please contact Karin Kalk.
The California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions in
collaboration with the Alcohol and Drug Policy Institute and the
Integrated Behavioral Health Project webinar series on
Integrating Primary Care, Mental Health and Substance Use
Services is available through downloading the recording for each
session.
We are pleased to announce a new resource for primary care,
mental health and substance use disorders policy leaders,
administrators and providers as well as advocates including
consumer/client and family member organizations.