Getting mental health care is tough. Long wait lists, complex referral processes, and limited insurance options often keep people from seeking the help they need. In Utah, where suicide rates are alarmingly high, these challenges are even greater.
To tackle this, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute launched the Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) program a decade ago. They placed licensed social workers right in University of Utah Health clinics. This allows patients to get mental health support during their primary care visits, making access to help much smoother and quicker.
In July 2024, the BHI program took a big step forward by adding automatic depression screenings to patient checklists. Now, if a patient shows signs of mental health issues, a professional reaches out to them before their appointment. This approach has led to more than 6,000 early intervention conversations in the first year alone.
The BHI program isn’t limited to just primary care. It’s expanding into specialty clinics too. Patients seeing doctors for chronic illnesses or women’s health can now access integrated mental health services. Special support groups have also been set up for issues like long COVID and Parkinson’s disease, focusing on the link between physical and mental health.
Affordability is another major concern, and BHI addresses this by billing services through primary care providers. This means patients, including those on Medicaid or those who are underinsured, can receive care at lower rates.
Since its start, BHI has significantly improved access to mental health care. About 15% of patients at primary care clinics now receive behavioral health services. Social workers from the program see six times more patients than those in traditional settings. Wait times have also dropped dramatically, from 74 days to just 10 days for an appointment. “When it comes to mental health care, every second counts,” says Teresa Lopez, Director of Behavioral Health Integration.
To further promote awareness, the BHI program collaborates with the University of Utah College of Social Work. They have created internships and training opportunities for medical students and residents, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-equipped to integrate mental health care into their practices.
For more insights about the impact of the BHI program, check out the Good Notes blog.
Source link
The University of Utah, UofU, The U, 10 years of breaking barriers – @theU
