Promoting Access to Behavioral Health Care
Accessing adequate patient-centered mental and behavioral health care is a challenge for all Americans but particularly so for historically under-resourced and marginalized groups, who face unique barriers to care.
As part of the AAMC's ongoing efforts to “Improve Access to Health Care for All,” we seek to improve mental and behavioral health care access through collaborative, evidence-based, and technology-enabled care delivery models.
Integrated behavioral health (IBH), providing medical and behavioral health care together, is an evidence-based strategy that offers successful collaborative models for enhancing access, improving patient outcomes, reducing stigma, and promoting health care equity.
The AAMC is committed to advancing and promoting the uptake of IBH models in both primary and specialty care and to identifying the optimal use of technology as a complement to these models of care.
This page provides information on AAMC’s efforts resources, toolkits, and educational opportunities for clinical faculty, staff, and leadership to support the development and implementation of IBH. It also outlines the AAMC’s advocacy efforts to advance federal policies that support the adoption and expansion of IBH models.
AAMC Mental and Behavioral Health Training Awards
The AAMC is proud to launch the inaugural AAMC Mental and Behavioral Health (MH/BH) Training Awards.
The awards will recognize the excellence and innovation of current integrated behavioral health (IBH) programs at AAMC-member teaching hospitals, health systems, and medical schools that prioritize team-oriented training in IBH to increase access to mental and behavioral health care, as well as those that prepare and train providers and trainees with the skills and competencies needed to work in IBH care models. Awardees will receive up to $25,000 each. Download the call for applications (PDF).
All applications must be submitted online by 11:59PM EDT on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Questions? Please contact mentalhealth@aamc.org.
Learning Series
The AAMC is excited to launch a new learning series, “The Mental Health Access Crisis: How Academic Medical Centers Can Use Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Models as Part of the Solution." This four-part free webinar series highlights the role of academic medicine in the promotion and advancement of Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH).
Stay tuned for future webinars:
The Time is Now! Implementation Strategies IBH at Academic Medical Centers: AAMC Member Case Studies
During this session, member institutions will share their experience in implementation and management of IBH models, lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities.
Training in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH)
Presenters will highlight core concepts in and application of Interprofessional Education in resident training of IBH. Examples of successful IBH training programs will be discussed. 2023 AAMC Mental and Behavioral Health Training Awards will also be launched on this webinar.
Using Technology to Improve Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH)
Presenters will explore the value of technology to improve access to IBH, as well as how a stepped approach utilizing technology can improve access and efficiency. E-consults and its benefits will be discussed to enhance communication within IBH programs.
Integrated Behavioral Health Resources
IBH promotes enhanced collaboration between medical and behavioral health practitioners with support from care managers to provide comprehensive patient care. Identifying clinical and business goals, workforce requirements, and training opportunities will contribute to successful implementation. The AAMC advocates for federal policies that enable providers to adopt and expand IBH patient care models, thereby reducing stigma and promoting access to care.
Maternal Mental Health Resources
Understanding the unique mental health needs of birthing persons will help identify appropriate clinical interventions, including integrated care models and technological solutions, to address this critical issue.
Technology Resources
Digital health tools can be implemented alongside IBH models to increase access to mental and behavioral health care. The AAMC has worked with member institutions to understand how telehealth and other digital tools have been successfully leveraged by teaching hospitals to expand access.
For questions about the AAMC’s behavioral health advocacy, please contact gov-relations@aamc.org.