Introduction to the new AMHCA revised Standards
September 9, 2016, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDT (9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT)
Health care reform through new delivery and financing models is creating better patient outcomes. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides impetus to these initiatives, health care reform is not simply about what is codified in the ACA. There are market forces – as well as other state and federal initiatives – that predate the ACA, and will greatly enhance the delivery of both medical and behavioral health care services in the future. The integration of mental health and primary care medical services with an emphasis on prevention is part of those marketplace and regulatory imperatives. Integrated systems of care going forward are going to be comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, co-located, and interconnected through the latest technologies. As we move in this direction, Clinical Mental Health Counselors will need to increase their knowledge and skills to participate in the emerging practices and systems which will employ evidence-based treatment approaches. Integrated care models hold promise in addressing many of the challenges facing our health care and mental health care systems. CMHCs possess clinical and policy expertise as “Primary Mental Health Care Providers.” Due to their training and expertise, CMHCs will be invaluable to primary care physicians in developing innovations to improve the nation’s integrated public’s health.