How i learned about integrated care by failing miserably: The deadly sins of integration

The majority of patients with psychological, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, receive treatment for these disorders in the primary and specialty medical offices rather than from specialty behavioral health providers. Infrequently, problem presentations are straightforward psychological or substance abuse issues (see Chap. 8 by Strosahl and Robinson). Often, physical symptoms are presented, and only later are the underlying behavioral health issues identified.5 In addition, many unresolving or chronic medical disorders have significant psychological dimensions that interfere with health status and effectiveness of medical treatment, but the psychological dimensions are often not satisfactorily assessed or treated. This results in restricted access to best care, less effective medical and behavioral health care, and greater health care costs.