Integrating Behavioral Health in Migrant Health Programs & Community Health Centers

Mental health problems are common among people seeking medical care. Upwards of 70% of visits to primary care offices are known to be triggered by behavioral or psychosocial concerns. According to the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), the third most common reason for a patient visit to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is depression. Within migrant populations, this is complicated by a complex array of social, cultural, economic, and justice factors which significantly contribute to their disease burden. Most people are comfortable bringing their behavioral health problems to primary care, and for a variety of reasons, many won’t go to mental health centers for treatment. It is increasingly recognized that improving the health of migrant population, and all populations served by health centers requires providing effective care for behavioral health problems as a core component of primary care. Two physicians with extensive experience addressing these challenges within Migrant Health Programs and Community Health Center settings will discuss lessons learned in successful implementation of integrated behavioral health care, and describe models for integration that have been effective.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify common elements for successful implementation of integrated BH in two different community health settings

• Participants will be able to identify important cultural competencies for implementing integrated BH for different populations of patients

• Participants will be able to identify key elements of “organizational culture” and motivation necessary for successful implementation of integrated BH services

Presenters:

Tillman Farley MD, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs

Salud Family Health Centers

Fort Lupton CO

Jennie McLaurin MD, Chief Medical Officer Migrant Clinicians Network