Reviewed by Kevin Stephens, MD.

Mental health conditions are common and can have a significant impact on a person's life. Unfortunately, many people with mental health conditions do not receive the treatment they need. This is due to a number of factors, including stigma, lack of access to care, and high costs.

The collaborative care model is an approach to mental health care that aims to improve access to and quality of care for people with mental health conditions. In this model, a team of healthcare professionals work together to provide care to patients. The team typically includes a primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, a therapist, and a care manager. This model is a patient-centered approach to mental healthcare where the patient is an active and crucial part of their healthcare plans and goals.

The collaborative care model has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for people with mental health conditions. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients who received care through the collaborative care model were more likely to improve their symptoms and less likely to have to be hospitalized than patients who received care through traditional methods.

What is the Collaborative Care Model?

The collaborative care model is a team-based approach to mental health care that brings together primary care providers, mental health specialists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for people with mental health conditions. The goal of the collaborative care model is to improve access to care, reduce costs, and improve outcomes for patients.

The collaborative care model typically follows a four-step process:

1. Screening: Patients are screened for mental health conditions at their primary care visits.

2. Assessment: Patients who screen positive for a mental health condition are assessed by a mental health specialist.

3. Treatment planning: The primary care provider, mental health specialist, and care manager work together to develop a treatment plan with the patient.

4. Follow-up: The patient is followed up with regularly to monitor their progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Benefits for Patients

The collaborative care model offers a number of benefits for patients, including:

• Improved access to care: The collaborative care model brings mental health care to primary care settings, making it more accessible to patients.

• Reduced costs: The collaborative care model can help to reduce costs by providing patients with more coordinated and efficient care.

• Improved outcomes: The collaborative care model has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with mental health conditions, including reductions in symptoms, improved quality of life, and decreased risk of hospitalization.

• Increased satisfaction: Patients who receive care through the collaborative care model tend to be more satisfied with their care than patients who receive care through traditional methods.

How Does Collaborative Care Work?

The collaborative care model works by bringing together a team of healthcare professionals who work together to provide care to patients with mental health conditions. The team typically includes a primary care provider, a psychiatrist, a therapist, and a case manager.

The primary care provider is responsible for coordinating the patient's care and providing general medical care. The psychiatrist is responsible for diagnosing and managing mental health conditions. The therapist provides psychotherapy. The care manager helps to connect the patient with community resources and support.

The team meets regularly to discuss each patient's progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care and that they are making progress towards their goals.

Who is Best Suited for Collaborative Care?

The collaborative care model is best suited for people with mental health conditions who are also receiving care from a primary care provider. The model can also be beneficial for people with chronic physical health conditions that are complicated by mental health conditions.

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, talk to your primary care provider about whether the collaborative care model is right for you. Juno’s team is here for you to help you feel well and to answer any questions you might have.

Sometimes people with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges might have thoughts of hurting themselves or others. If you feel this way, you should call 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, immediately.

Next Steps

Juno now offers Collaborative Care by Primary Care referral only in New York. Start by booking an appointment with one of our Primary Care providers to see if the program might be the right fit for you.