Primary care providers are on the front line of identifying and treating mental health problems. The primary care setting is often viewed by patients as a more acceptable and accessible mental healthcare home than specialty psychiatry and psychotherapy settings. Large-scale research trials demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative care of mental health disorders in the primary care setting. Yet, primary care providers and systems are stretched. In this course, we will review the art and science of team-based integrated behavioral health services, including ways to improve the outcomes and quality of patient care with new team members and novel models of program development.

This year’s conference theme, Integrated Care for Addiction and Trauma, will focus on innovations in technology, training models, and resources designed to improve the assessment, management, and collaborative care for addiction and trauma in the primary care setting. COVID-19 has created “pandemics within a pandemic” in that rates of addiction and trauma have increased due to new-onset stressors, losses, stay-at-home orders, isolation, and significant disruptions in daily routines. Primary care is at the frontline of the healthcare delivery system, and thus utilizing integrated care models and team members can help improve patient outcomes.    

Course format involves engaging lectures, rich with case examples within the context of existing and emerging science. Breakout seminars will be interactive and emphasize collaborative learning. Attendees will have opportunities to share their own integrated behavioral health experiences and challenges.