Integrated Behavioral Health Care

People with chronic health conditions frequently have comorbid behavioral health problems.  There is a complex and often bi-directional interaction between behavioral health and physical health.  It is imperative to effectively address both to reach optimal health outcomes. Ideally behavioral and physical health care is delivered in an integrated, collaborative manner.

Behavioral health goes beyond psychiatric conditions to also includes health behaviors and other psychosocial factors that impact health and well-being.  MNOHS has a team of behavioral health providers that address this wide array of problem areas.  This includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavior problems, trauma, substance abuse/misuse, medically unexplained symptoms, chronic pain, insomnia, obesity, smoking cessation, adjustment to chronic health problems, treatment adherence, stress, relationship problems and other social determinants of health.

MNOHS behavioral health clinicians work closely with primary care providers and other healthcare professionals.  They present themselves as part of the PCP’s team. They provide evidence-based, patient and family centered assessments and interventions. Services are delivered in-person in the primary care office, via telemedicine video visits or telephonic consultations based on patient and family preference.  Most patients express a preference for integrated care and comfort in knowing that their behavioral health provider is working in collaboration with their primary care provider. This delivery model decreases stigma and fragmentation, and increases access for people who would otherwise be unlikely to seek behavioral health services.  There is a growing body of research documenting that integrated behavioral health and physical health helps meet the Quadruple Aim of lowering costs, improving outcomes, improving patient experiences, and improving provider experiences.