The Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers (MACHC) is uniquely positioned to lead an initiative in Maryland and Delaware to integrate mental health services and primary care. MACHC is the foremost advocate for the health care needs of underserved residents in these states. The association has successfully increased access and availability of primary care services throughout Maryland and Delaware and is now committed to applying its resources to ensure sound, feasible strategic-planning efforts for successful integration.

The benefits to service integration of primary care and mental health services have been empirically established. Practices have redesigned care models by providing coordinated, short duration, solution-focused interventions delivered simultaneously by primary care providers and behavioral health care providers as part of all primary care visits. These “embedded programs” are staffed and organized to provide both primary health care and behavioral services in a coordinated manner. In this recovery-oriented system, the results have been impressive.

Related Reports

Enviornmental Analysis of Maryland's Public Outpatient Mental Health System
Environmental Analysis of Delaware's Public Outpatient Mental Health System
Community Partnerships and Provider Training Increase Service Capacity and Access to Long-Term Treatment for Individuals With Heroin Addiction

Online Resources

Behavioral Health / Primary Care Integration and the Person-Centered Healthcare Home
HRSA: Integrating Behavioral Health with Primary Medical Care
Compendium of Primary Care and Mental Health Integration Activities across Various Participating Federal Agencies