Presenters
- Courtney Legge, PsyD, Primary Care Psychologist, University of Colorado Dept of Family Medicine, Denver, CO
- Aaron Bergman, PhD, Senior Instructor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
Summary
While many organizations are increasingly receptive to and supportive of integrated behavioral health programs, the process of actual implementation can present fundamental challenges. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, front line providers are increasingly seeking the support that integrated behavioral health programs can provide. This presentation describes the process and experience of implementing a shift from a co-located to an integrated model of behavioral health service in a large Family/Internal Medicine practice. We present the blueprint for the changes that took place, including a description of a novel Behavioral Health Medical Assistant role, barriers and facilitators of implementation, psychology trainee curriculum, and results from a provider utilization survey. We also discuss efforts and outcomes related to maintaining the integrity of our integrated behavioral health model during the COVID-19 prevention restrictions. Presenters will be available for questions and consultation for attendees interested or active in implementation of integrated behavioral health services at their own clinics.
Objectives
- Articulate the differences in theory of care, care delivery, and courses of treatment between co-located and integrated behavioral health services.
- Provide compelling rationale for the establishment of integrated over co-located behavioral health services.
- Identify common barriers to implementing integrated behavioral health services, as well as innovate strategies for overcoming them.
