Part one of the Fostering Effective Mental Health Services in Community Health Centers webinar series provides a foundation for the continuum of severity of mental health needs. Community health center case studies illustrate workflow and intervention considerations for health centers to best adapt to the population(s) they serve, geographic locations and other elements to evaluate how to integrate and expand behavioral health services.
James Reichenback from Union Community Care discussed the growth of mental health services in community health centers and the implementation of integrated behavioral health care models. Sue and Brittany from El Rio health shared their organization’s efforts to make behavioral health services feasible, including the addition of a trauma-informed care model and the creation of a Psychiatry Residency program. The panel also discussed the integration of behavioral health services in primary care, the high needs in youth and geriatric populations, and plans to integrate school-based services.