Integrating Behavioral Health and Physical Health David Conn, Ph.D. Senior Vice President Mental Health Systems, Inc.

Mental Health Systems, Inc. (MHS) MHS provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services to individuals and families. Prevention Diversion “Integrated” (Co-Occurring) Behavioral Health (BH) Treatment We serve Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Why Integrated Care 60% of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) do not receive ANY physical health care services Compared to general population, individuals with SMI are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a physical health condition 74% of SMI have chronic physical health condition and account for 1 in 8 ER visits in San Diego

Why Integrated Care? Lifespan of individual with SMI is 25 years shorter than general population Individuals with SMI and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) have average age of death of 45 Each person has distinct needs, depending on physical health and Behavioral Health (BH) diagnoses and acuity

Integration Models at MHS Coordinated Care: Communication –Clinic vans at MHS sites (ten years) (mild to moderate BH needs) –Clinic Satellite BH site staffed by MHS (mild/moderate) Co-Located Care: Proximity –SAMHSA PBHCI Pilot in San Diego (Bi-Lateral Integration) (worked well for low acuity SMI, less well for high acuity SMI) –Mobile Van to build out to full clinic in Fresno (mild to moderate) Integrated Care Model: Practice Change –MHS/Mountain Health – Putting Primary Care Clinic inside a large mental health clinic (high acuity SMI) –MHS staffing BH within FQHCs in several Counties (mild/moderate)

Coordinated Care Model Works well for high functioning clients (mild BH needs) Basic Collaboration and communication between BH and Primary Care (PC) services Memorandum of Agreement between BH & PC Referrals made each way Patient/Client information not often shared

Co-Located Care Model Works well for mild/moderate BH needs BH and PC can be neighbors or in same office BH and PC screenings used to generate referrals “Warm” handoffs possible Allows for greater ease in communication

Integrated Care Model Works well for Complex Clients two or more chronic illnesses or high acuity SMI Collaborative Care in transformed practice Shared Vision and Values Shared setting for service provision Team-based, patient-centered (whole person) care Cross-training of BH and PC staff

Integrated Care (Cont.) Bi-directional referral and follow-up Integrated huddles/case conferences Evidence-based and practice-tested Utilizes peer support partners –To assist with organizing –To help with complexity –To interface with family

Lessons Learned SMI consumers are more comfortable accessing services in BH setting, so bring physical health care to them As acuity abates, referring out is goal – works for a majority of even SMI PC staff more comfortable seeing SMI patients in BH setting ( more prepared for psychiatric crises) BH staff lack PC competence, so integration always results in better care

Lessons Learned (Cont.) BH staff and Peers often have trust of SMI patients, making access to physical health care feasible Peers accompany (high acuity) SMI to see specialists when needed Sharing of PC/BH information allows better healthcare and better health

Questions? David Conn, Ph.D. (858)