Which Model Fits? Evaluating Models of Integrated Behavioral Health Care in Addressing Unmet Behavioral Health Needs among Underserved Sociodemographic Groups

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Identifier

DOI: 10.1080/23794925.2020.1796549

Abstract

Unmet behavioral health care needs are especially pronounced among underserved sociodemographic groups based on socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, English language proficiency, sex, and age. To increase access to care, it is necessary to utilize evidence-based strategies to effectively expand provision of behavioral health services outside of traditional settings to contexts in which help-seeking for child behavioral health care needs is taking place. We retrospectively examined two specific models (consultation and colocation) that comprised an integrated behavioral health program in an inner-city pediatric primary care clinic in order to better understand strategies to feasibly and effectively increase access to care among underserved populations. Results from program evaluation data (that included a sample of 188 patients) support a multi-tiered integrated behavioral health care program of (1) joint consultation encounters delivered by primary care providers (PCPs) and behavioral health clinicians and (2) colocation of behavioral health services. Variations in feasibility, workforce and space considerations, and recommendations for integrating behavioral health programs in inner-city pediatric primary care clinics are discussed.

Journal Title

Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Volume

5

Issue

3

First Page

251

Last Page

270

Keywords

Integrated care, primary care, collaborative care, consultation, colocation, health disparities, underserved, inner-city, patient centered medical home, pediatrics and behavioral health

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