Integrated behavioral health
Whole health means focusing on the whole person. So it just makes sense to integrate medical, mental and behavioral health as equal parts on the health care continuum.
Whole health is the goal
We help members and their families by making key connections between medical, mental and behavioral health, as well as disability, wellness and prevention. These are the connections that help members take steps toward whole health.
Everyone wins with coordination of care
Working closely with providers to coordinate medical and behavioral care for members ensures appropriate screening, evaluation, treatment and referral for:
- Physical health
- Behavioral health or substance use disorders
- Dual or multiple diagnoses
- Developmental disabilities
Learn more about Aetna Better Health's Behavioral Health Toolkit for Primary Care Providers (PDF)
Sharing information for healthier members
When medical and behavioral health providers work together, members benefit. Our behavioral health and medical providers share information with that goal in mind. This results in appropriate and effective coordination between medical and behavioral health care.
We ask primary care physicians (PCPs) and behavioral health providers to share:
Pertinent history and test results within 24 hours of receipt in urgent or emergent cases
Results for nonurgent or non-emergent lab results within 10 business days of receipt
PCPs screen for behavioral health issues
If you’re a PCP, you’ll want to:
- Use behavioral health screening tools
- Treat behavioral health issues within your scope of practice
- Refer members to behavioral health providers, when appropriate
Behavioral health providers screen for physical health issues
If you’re a behavioral health provider, you’ll want to:
Screen members for coexisting medical issues
Refer those who have untreated physical health issues to their PCP (with consent)
Provide physical health care services only if you’re licensed to do so
Share any concerns with their PCP and work together on a care plan (with consent)
More information
Questions? You can always check your provider manual (PDF) for behavioral health guidelines and other information you need.
Our Behavioral Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-888-604-6106 (TTY: 711). If you’re treating a member in crisis, we can help. Members can also call directly.
Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Service Outcomes Scorecard
In accordance with Kentucky House Bill 695 § 22 (2025), the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) presents a publicly available scorecard evaluating behavioral health (BH) and substance use disorder (SUD) service quality outcome measures for use by all managed care organizations (MCOs) contracted by the Department of Medicaid Services (DMS). Developed in collaboration between DMS and MCOs, the scorecard evaluates quality outcome measures among provider organizations (providers) rendering BH and SUD services throughout Kentucky.
Learn more about the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Service Outcomes Scorecard