Can mental health integration in a primary care setting improve quality and lower costs? A case study.

Objective: To describe the successful implementation of an evidence-based, integrated quality improvement mental health program in a primary care setting.

Summary: Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) has aligned resources around a conceptual framework that emphasizes clinic and community accountability, family and consumer health focused on recovery rather than disease, and enhanced decision making through partnerships and automation. The mental health integration system includes an integrated team led foremost by the patient and family with vital defined roles for primary care providers, care managers, psychiatrists, advanced practice registered nurses, support staff, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Pharmacists have assumed training functions on the team and have the potential to play more vital roles.

Conclusion: The IHC experience demonstrates that mental health services can be effectively integrated into everyday practice in a primary care setting. Clinical and financial burden can be decreased for the health care team, patients, and family.