Abstract
Individuals with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders experience a highly fragmented system of
care, contributing to poor health outcomes and elevated levels of unmet treatment needs. Several elements in the health care
reform law may address these issues by enhancing the integration of physical and behavioral health care systems. The purpose
of this paper is to analyze these elements, which fall into three domains: increasing access, restructuring financing and
reimbursement mechanisms, and enhancing infrastructure. We conclude with a consideration of the implementation challenges
that lie ahead.
care, contributing to poor health outcomes and elevated levels of unmet treatment needs. Several elements in the health care
reform law may address these issues by enhancing the integration of physical and behavioral health care systems. The purpose
of this paper is to analyze these elements, which fall into three domains: increasing access, restructuring financing and
reimbursement mechanisms, and enhancing infrastructure. We conclude with a consideration of the implementation challenges
that lie ahead.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Report
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-012-0405-0
- Authors
- Bevin Croft, Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS 035, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
- Susan L. Parish, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS 035, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X