The Evolving Practice of Psychiatry in the Era of Integrated Care

Abstract

Background: Integrating behavioral health care into the primary care setting is increasingly recognized as an effective way to manage mental illness and substance use disorders on a population level in the United States. The term "integrated care," however, is used in many ways and encompasses several different models.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide a conceptual framework to understand the landscape of models of integrated care and to use this framework to contrast the roles of behavioral health providers in integrated settings with those in traditional behavioral health delivery models. We will also review some of the advantages and limitations of integrated care for health care delivery systems, patients, and primary care providers.

Keywords: Behavioral care manager; Behavioral health care; Behavioral health provider; Collaborative care; Integrated care; Primary care.