Mental health is essential to improving overall health outcomes across the lifespan. Integrated care is a general term for any attempt to fully or partially blend behavioral health services with general and/or specialty medical services. By treating both the mental and physical needs of children, adolescents, and adults, we will better meet the triple aim of improved patient outcomes and satisfaction at a lower cost by addressing common, disabling and costly behavioral health problems.

Over the past decade, the integration of behavioral health and general medical services has been shown to improve patient outcomes, save money, and reduce stigma related to mental health. Significant research spanning three decades has identified one model – the Collaborative Care Model – in particular, as being effective and efficient in delivering integrated care.