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Integrated
behavioral health

Whole health means focusing on the whole person. So it just makes sense to integrate physical, mental and behavioral health as equal parts on the health care continuum. Take a look at the programs, training and resources we offer with that in mind.

Questions?

For provider manuals and other resources, visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) website. Or contact us Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Whole health is the goal

Whole health is the goal

We help members and their families by making key connections between physical, mental and behavioral health, as well as disability, wellness and prevention. These are the connections that help members take steps toward whole health.

 

Behavioral health includes services provided for the assessment and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Members managing or at risk for mental health, addictive or other behavioral disorders have access to services to meet their needs.

 

We work with members and providers to focus on prevention and wellness by:

 

  • Screening for issues that could lead to illness and treating them early with a whole-health approach.
  • Offering care coordination services to our members and providers to support integrated behavioral health care.

Treating a member in crisis?

 

You can call our behavioral health hotline at 1-800-279-1878 (TTY: 711) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Members can call, too. 

Behavioral health coverage

Behavioral health coverage

Basic behavioral health

 

These services are provided by medical professionals or behavioral health consultants in medical clinics. Some common services include:

 

  • Screening for common mental health conditions
  • Screening for alcohol or substance use issues
  • Medication management  
  • Coordination of referrals to specialized behavioral health services

Members have access to behavioral health education and resources on the:

 

Mental or behavioral health professionals provide these services in a setting that works best for the member and their family. Outpatient clinics or intensive treatment programs may provide nonemergency services. Some members may also be eligible for home and community-based services.

Everyone wins with coordination of care

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

For healthier members

For healthier members

When physical and behavioral health providers work together, members benefit. Our behavioral health and primary care providers (PCPs) share information with that goal in mind. This results in appropriate and effective coordination between physical and behavioral health care.

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 physical 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)

Also of interest: