Using integrated behavioral healthcare to address behavioral health disparities in underserved populations.

Abstract

Despite the growth of behavioral health services in the United States, reports show persistent disparities in racial and ethnic minority populations' access to them. Primary care practices are often where patients go first for their medical and mental healthcare, placing the burden for treatment of behavioral health problems on primary care physicians. Integrated behavioral healthcare (IBHC), which embeds behavioral health clinicians in medical settings, is growing rapidly and should become an important component of the healthcare system. This paper proposes IBHC as a solution to reduce disparities in access to behavioral health services for underserved populations, specifically Latinx and African American populations, as well as racial and ethnic minority youth. The authors surveyed the literature to describe the history and current use of IBHC and present the case for addressing the behavioral health needs of underserved populations with IBHC. Research suggests that patients treated in IBHC settings experience an improvement in their symptoms and functioning across behavioral health problems. Furthermore, IBHC patients in primary care clinics report satisfaction with care and strong therapeutic alliance with behavioral health clinicians. Preliminary research suggests that IBHC may also reduce stigma and cultural barriers in underserved racial and ethnic minority populations. IBHC provides a unique opportunity to fulfill a critical need by meeting patients where they are. Therefore, we need to focus on improving and expanding IBHC for underserved racial and ethnic minority communities. What is the significance of this article for the general public?This paper outlines current barriers to accessing behavioral healthcare for Latinx, African American, and racial and ethnic minority youth and how IBHC combats those barriers. Additionally, it highlights outcomes of brief behavioral interventions and patient and physician satisfaction with IBHC. IBHC is a viable option for providing behavioral healthcare to underserved patient populations.

Understanding Mental Health Services and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among College Students in Vietnam

“…Studies on healthcare topics in underserved populations in general and mental health in particular are calling for more attention. [1,2,3] Mental health services are becoming increasingly important since mental disorders contribute a large portion of the illness burdens for all countries. [4] Such a burden of mental illness is a significant global public health issue.…”

Emotional Support for Infertility Patients: Integrating Mental Health Professionals in the Fertility Care Team

“…Recent estimates suggest that approximately 42% of Americans have recently experienced symptoms of a depressive or anxiety disorder [20]. As a result of the high levels of psychological distress evident in the general population, MHPs and medical providers in fields outside of reproductive medicine have developed models to integrate behavior health into clinical teams to improve patient access to these needed services [21,22].…”

What Are Patient Preferences for Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care?

“…[6][7][8] IBHPC is also associated with lower costs, increased treatment outcomes and adherence, enhanced patient engagement, improved patient and provider satisfaction, and reduced racial and ethnic disparities. 5,7,[9][10][11][12][13][14] IBHPC models offer an opportunity for continuity of care for patients who may not receive behavioral healthcare due to long waiting times for specialist referrals.…”

“…Although studies have documented high patient satisfaction with IBHPC post-visit, few studies have described patient preferences for IBHPC pre-visit. [9][10][11][12][15][16][17][18][19][20] The available information on the experience with IBHPC documents a willingness to meet with an embedded behavioral health provider for a follow-up visit and that most patients prefer their mental health and medical providers co-located and in regular communication about their care. 20,21 Patients may prefer to receive behavioral health services in primary care due to the potential for poor communication between primary and specialty care, the flexibility and comfort of care, immediate access to care, consolidated appointments, lower cost, and less perceived stigma.…”