Approach to integration of primary care and behavioral health


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3167.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #108357

David E. Barbee, PhD, Learning Systems Architect, 4419 Harrison Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20015, 202-362-3092, barbee@erols.com

This session includes: a brief review of the challenge before outlining an approach that involves a change process that draws on the talents of people in the community and existing programs and tools. In integrating primary care and behavioral health services in a community, the challenge is to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services in a continuum that addresses both physical and behavioral problems. To meet this challenge we must develop flexible and culturally-appropriate community-based delivery systems that use existing tools and programs. These delivery systems must take full advantage of the resources available in the four major service sectors i.e. primary care, specialty mental health, human services, and voluntary support networks. The emphasis in this session has been on a trans-disciplinary approach in which the four sectors are strategically linked to one another within a common belief that there is “no wrong door” for entering prevention and treatment of substance abuse problems and co-morbidity. Drawing from research on the change process, the issue perspectives of the other presenters and awareness of the available programs, tools and other resources available, the presenter will outline a basic strategy for this integration. A strategy that includes: a process for change that involves and draws on the talents of people from each of the four major health sectors and the community at large. Existing programs, tools and other resources that will facilitate the integration will also be outlined.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

1. Outline an approach to the integration of primary care and behavioral health that includes policies and the tools and resources available for promoting and implementing the required change.
2. Discuss a basic strategy for integration of the four major service sectors in your community.
3. List sources of tools and resources to support this integration.
4. Describe a process you might use to facilitate the changes required for the integration of health services in your community.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Transdisciplinary Approach to Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA