Mental health workforce shortages limit access to care nationwide, but population and evidence-based integrated care models, like the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), can help. The CoCM integrates behavioral health into primary care by having a primary care physician, psychiatric consultant, and care manager work together. This allows psychiatrists to oversee treatment for 60-80 patients through remote consultations, improving access to care in underserved areas.
Despite its proven effectiveness and available reimbursement, adoption of CoCM is slow due to high implementation costs. Please take a moment to urge your member of congress to support H.R.5819/S.1378, the COMPLETE Care Act, to increase Medicare payments for integrated care and provide technical assistance to practices, easing these barriers.
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