Maine Health Access Foundation

Challenge

Over 40% of people with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues turn to their primary care provider for help, yet many doctors and nurses lack the training, tools and support from specialists to diagnose and treat common mental health problems.

Solution

At Aroostook Mental Health Services, doctors and nurses are now working side-by-side with mental health specialists to provide coordinated, patient-centered mental and physical health services for patients when they seek care in primary care offices and clinics.

Impact

• Over 1,000 patients have received behavioral health services in their primary care providers' offices
• Patients report a "good" to "very good" level of satisfaction with:
• The way medical and behavioral health providers work together and communicate about their care Their ability to have an active role in planning their care
• How integrated services improve their ability to accomplish daily activities at work, school and play

Behavioral health professionals from Aroostook Mental Health Center work on site with primary care providers at Pines Health Services in Caribou, at Houlton Regional Hospital Rural Health Center in Houlton, and at Fish River Rural Health in Eagle Lake and Fort Kent offering integrated physical and mental health care services in the same outpatient visit. The close coordination between behavioral health specialists and primary care providers makes care more timely, patient-centered and seamless.

Related Materials

• A Resourceful Resource (PDF)