The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced $5 million to help providers build capacity and implement the Collaborative Care Model in primary care offices across the state.
Through the Collaborative Care Model, primary care providers work with an integrated behavioral health case manager and a psychiatric consultant to monitor and treat patients for mild to moderate behavioral health conditions. The need for integrated medical and behavioral health care is greater than ever as rates of anxiety and depression have substantially increased following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Too many individuals with mental health and substance use disorders delay the care they need because they struggle finding a provider,” said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Collaborative Care can serve more people earlier by supporting primary care providers in reaching people at the onset of behavioral health symptoms.”
Collaborative Care is covered by NC Medicaid, Medicare and most commercial insurance plans in North Carolina, helping to break down barriers that separate how physical and behavioral health services are delivered and paid for. Patients are able to receive services through a provider, and in a setting, they already know and trust, which gives them easier access to the care they need. Collaborative Care improves patient outcomes, reduces health care costs and reduces stigma related to mental health and substance use disorders.