Summary
To improve access to care and build the workforce of behavioral health professionals, the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have funded programs to train behavioral health (BH) students and practitioners to partner with primary care medical practices. This approach involves the creation of integrated “medical homes” where patients’ physical and mental health needs can be addressed in a single site. The integration of behavioral health has been shown to produce improved access to care, higher levels of patient satisfaction, increased cost effectiveness and reductions in stigma that have traditionally been associated with seeking BH care. The Mid-America Mental Health Technology Transfer Center partners with state mental health authorities, universities, and provider organizations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to train behavioral health providers in integrated care, thus increasing access to BH services for patients and families with behavioral concerns. Technical assistance is available and addresses the unique needs and strengths of each medical practice and its surrounding communities. On-site consultation can also be provided for program implementation and sustainability of integrated care practice. Training and program implementation services can be attained through face to face sessions, distance learning, and/or online sessions to improve the knowledge base and competencies of the behavioral health workforce. Ultimately, the mission of the MHTTC is to increase access to care and develop the behavioral health workforce.
Objectives
- Describe goals of Mid-America MHTTC
- Increase knowledge of training programs and content available for education in integrated pediatric primary ca
- Describe options for integrating behavioral health provision into pediatric and family medicine practices
