Building a Robust Referral Network to Address Community Mental Health Treatment Needs
The Helen Ross McNabb Center seeks to create a preferred provider network for primary care patients at UTMC and ETCH to ensure those patients with a behavioral health diagnosis have access to much-needed treatment. Mental illness is a prevalent issue in our society, affecting roughly 20% of all adults. Frequently these behavioral health diagnoses co-exist with chronic disease or physical health issues. Nearly 70% of all behavioral health diagnoses – including anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders – are received in a primary care setting. However, in this setting, primary care physicians are often unequipped to provide the treatment or access to specialized care more complicated conditions require. The McNabb Center would implement a dedicated referral line for medical staff, so a behavioral health clinician can quickly assess their patients. By developing an enhanced referral network, patients will receive co-managed care and see improved outcomes for behavioral health and physical health concerns.