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Depression has been identified by national and international researchers as the most common chronic disease. In addition to its direct effects on the well-being of its victims, it complicates the effects of many physical ailments. Much attention is being given, in Maine and throughout the U.S., to finding workable methods for integrating behavioral health with primary care. Among the current efforts being supported by MPCA is a project to improve the state's system for providing behavioral health services to women of reproductive age.
Enhancing Women's Behavioral Health Systems: A State and Local Collaborative for Sustainable Systems and Policy
The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maine Primary Care Association are partnering with community health centers in Androscoggin, Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties (the demonstration sites) to support behavioral health interventions for women of child-bearing age.
The project focus is improvement of behavioral health delivery systems for women of reproductive age who are experiencing mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders (mental illness and substance abuse often occur together). The project emphasis includes patient-centered and sustainable approaches to behavioral health care access at the primary care home. This focus is fully compatible with the emphasis of the Health Disparities Collaborative (HDC). The framework for the project is the Care Model.
Financial support for this project comes through our participation in a grant awarded by the Health Resources & Services Administration to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for an expected project period of three years. Maine is one of only two states in the nation to receive this highly competitive grant to integrate behavioral health services into primary care. The first year has been devoted to planning and the second and third years are for pilot implementation.
Adolescent and adult female patients seen at the four demonstration sites are provided with:
- Periodic screening for depression. (In time, they will be screened for substance use issues as well, but the project staff are not satisfied with any of the screening tools they have found. The project will add screening for alcohol and substance abuse as those tools are identified.)
- Intervention by the primary care provider for any mental health or substance abuse issues identified, along with treatment for any physical disorders.
- If appropriate, referral to a behavioral health specialist for more specialized treatment, either at the health center or in a cooperating local practice.
Treatment may include counseling, psychotherapy, medications and/or social supports, as appropriate.
For more information, contact Melody Martin, Program Manager.
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