Behavioral Health Integration is an evidence-based program designed to help established UW Medicine Primary Care patients feel better and improve their overall health.
What does our behavioral health integration program include and how does it differ from behavioral health treatment within the community?
UW Medicine Behavioral Health Integration Program (BHIP)
- A behavioral health care manager will work with you on average for 3-8 months offering brief cognitive behavioral interventions
- They will have regular meetings with you at your physician's office, over the phone, or via our patient portal
- A psychiatrist consults with your behavioral health care manager and your primary care physician (PCP) to help guide your care
Behavioral Health with a community provider
- A therapist often will work with you for longer periods of time practicing traditional therapy
- They often meet with you in-person
- A therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist if needed, and likely at a different location
- Your therapist and psychiatrist may not collaborate with your PCP
Community Mental Health Center
- Medicaid and Apple Health only; no referral needed
- For those who need comprehensive mental health services including individual, group, substance use, and crisis services
- Organized by county of residence; there are many options within each county
- Offer medication management and monitoring by a prescriber
What sets BHIP apart from community treatment?
- Patients participate in collaborative behavioral health treatment.
- Team-based approach provides added support to you and your primary care provider (PCP)
- Patients receive holistic, evidence-based treatment to improve their overall health
How does it work?
In person meetings with your care team will happen at your PCP’s clinic. You may also have the option to receive care over the phone. You’ll discuss how you’re doing, how your medications are working and if your symptoms are improving. We use questionnaires to monitor your progress.
What does it cost?
Depending on your insurance there may be costs associated for both face to face care and indirect care. Examples of indirect care include:
- Time spent providing phone or email consultation/counseling
- Coordinating services and consulting with outside providers on your behalf
- Researching and providing behavioral health resources
- Consultation or Care Team meetings between your PCP, Psychiatrist and Care Manager
- Reviewing clinical progress and updating your treatment plan