A Study of Integration Between Mental Health and Primary Care in Community Clinics and Heath Centers in California

The Integrative Behavioral Health Project (IBHP) is a 12-month funded study by The California Endowment to better understand integration of behavioral health services in primary care settings in California. Much has been written about integration of mental health and primary care as a vehicle for improving accessibility, reducing stigma, and enhancing quality of mental health services. Seven clinic demonstration sites were selected to participate. Each currently had an behavioral health integration model and its leadership were committed to service integration. Data were compiled of users of services, including descriptive and health information, and two standardized measures – the PHQ-9 and Duke – were also used. Patient satisfaction with the services provided was also assessed and linked to health outcomes and the standardized measures. Providers and administrators were also asked to periodically complete an assessment of the effects of integration on patients in their care, and its effect on their performance and their satisfaction with the model. Lastly, cultural competence was assessed as it pertains to integration of behavioral health services from a macro (i.e., governance and management) to a micro (i.e., clinical) perspective. Findings will be used to foster replication to other clinics and health centers.