Why is it important to integrate behavioral health into primary care?

This module describes approaches and evidence for supporting behavioral health integration in primary care; and gives an overview of the Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) project, a federal initiative that is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the main goals for SIM regarding integration of mental and behavioral health into primary care.
• Describe the benefits for patients with the integration of mental and behavioral health into primary care.
• Discuss the spectrum of mental and behavioral health that can be implemented in primary care.

Who Should Complete This Module?

The information in this module is valuable for clinicians and practice staff such as medical assistants, front & back office, nursing, and care managers.

The project described was supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS-1G1-14-001 from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM), a four-year initiative, is funded by up to $65 million from CMS. The content provided is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.