As a result of national healthcare reform’s emphasis on “medical homes”, the mental health and primary care service delivery systems are expected to undergo dramatic changes over the next several years. Consistent with the spirit of MHSA (Prop 63), this system reform is expected to increase access to care, prioritize prevention and early intervention, and reduce disparities. However, California’s public mental health system is not prepared to manage the complexities of the pending transformation. This E-Learning Module is designed as a primer to help providers navigate the complex landscape of integration. Its chapters contain a basic overview of healthcare reform including universal coverage and parity, examples of integrated care, patient centered healthcare homes, and strategies for planning services. It also provides a description of the California Integration Policy Initiative as well as strategies counties can use to finance integrated care. This is just one of the many ways that California’s Department of Mental Health and CiMH are working together to prepare the state’s mental health community for the pending reforms. Please check our websites for additional webinars, conferences, and trainings that will keep you abreast of the latest information in healthcare reform and integration.

        Quality Matters:  Strengthening the Primary Care Workforce to Meet Population Needs

            The Commonwealth Fund

            Also available at the following link:  http://www.commonwealthfund.org

         Resource Center for Primary Care and Behavioral Health Collaboration

            National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care Integration

            Related website links:

                        Annapolis Coalition 

                        http://www.annapoliscoalition.org                       

                        California Institute of Mental Health

                        http://www.cimh.org

                        Integrated Behavioral Health Project

                        http://www.ibhp.org

                        National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Integration

                        http://www.TheNationalCouncil.org

                        National Wraparound Initiative

                        http://www.nwi.pdx.edu

                        Patient Centered Primary Care Collaboration

                        http://www.pcpcc.net

                       Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

                        http://www.samhsa.go