What is Integrated Behavioral Care

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is like having both your physical and mental health needs taken care of in one place. Instead of seeing different doctors for different issues, you can go to a single healthcare team that includes doctors (Primary Care Physicians and Doctors of Behavioral Health (DBH)), therapists, and other specialists who work together to address all aspects of your well-being. This approach makes it easier to get the support you need and ensures that your care is coordinated and comprehensive.

 

Goals of Integrated Behavioral Health Care

One of the goals of Integrated Behavioral Health Care is to provide seamless care that considers the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. By integrating behavioral health services into primary care settings, integrated behavioral care aims to improve access to mental health and substance use services, reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for behavioral health concerns, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

 

Benefits of Integrated Behavioral Health Services

Integrated Behavioral Health combines physical and mental health services in one place, making it easier for you to get the help that you need. This approach helps in the following ways:

 

1. Better overall health because all aspects of your well-being are addressed at the same time. You no longer have to wait long periods for an appointment to have your mental health needs met.

2. Easier access to care, so you can get help without having to go to multiple places.

3. Less stigma around mental health because your mental health will be treated as part of your regular healthcare.

 

Why I chose to become a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH)

As a therapist, I was drawn to the holistic approach to healthcare offered through the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree, which integrates physical, mental, and social aspects of well-being. As I earn my DBH degree, I will become an expert in the following areas: delivering patient-centered care, working in interdisciplinary teams, employing evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and utilizing informatics in primary care and other medical settings. Basically, as a DBH I will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to address the growing demand for integrated behavioral health services and make meaningful contributions to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. 

 

Woman of Steele Blog

This blog is a platform to express myself, reflect on situations, share knowledge and expertise, and express my creativity as I document my journey through the DBH program. I look forward to connecting with you and others, networking, educating, training, and inspiring. In the meantime, please visit https://integrationacademy.ahrq.gov/about/integrated-behavioral-health for more information about Integrated Behavioral Health.