The landscape of behavioral health: Who, what and where

The COVID 19 pandemic has exacerbated an already severe mental and behavioral health crisis in the United States. Timely access to adequate mental health services is lacking for many communities and, for some, even when services are available, they are not utilized due to stigma or other barriers.

The integrated behavioral health model has been touted as a method of healthcare delivery that can improve access to mental and behavioral health services, decrease stigma and lead to better health outcomes overall. Multiple models of integrated behavioral health exist ranging from networks of connected providers to true co-location and collaboration. Understanding the landscape of behavioral health services is essential for primary care physicians who want to improve their model of care or advocate for integration of behavioral health services within their health systems.

We review the landscape on integrated behavioral health, focusing on who is providing this care, where is this care being provided and what these models look like. The Robert Graham Center presents research on Integrated Behavioral Health done in conjunction with Health Landscape and the Practice-Based Research, Innovation, & Evaluation Division. We share examples of successes among behavioral health models. A policy expert shares insight on the barriers and enablers to implementing integrated behavioral health models in the current healthcare system.