In today’s ever-changing healthcare environment, it can be extremely challenging to navigate the system. From difficulty accessing care, to issues coordinating between multiple providers, to rising costs, the whole process often feels overwhelming. By embracing an integrated approach to care, we can begin to address these issues and create a more holistic, person-first healthcare experience.
Why Integrated Care?
Integrated care focuses on treating the whole person to achieve mental, physical and emotional wellness. It considers each individual’s diverse needs with the goal of improving health outcomes and quality of life. At Oaks Integrated Care, our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Burlington, Camden and Mercer Counties funded by SAMSHA exemplifies this model of care by providing a centralized point of contact for individuals with behavioral health and substance abuse challenges.
Michelle Joo, LPC, MPH, Oaks CCBHC Director in Burlington County shares, “The CCBHC is a diverse continuum of care that aims to break down silos in behavioral health. It brings together doctors, nurses, case managers, therapists, individuals with lived experience of recovery, family members and the consumer, to create a person-center treatment plan to help get that individual on their journey to recovery and have sustained wellness.”
The seamless continuum of care gives clients access to a variety of services designed to best meet their individualized needs. For example, a mother recovering from an addiction can receive not just substance abuse treatment, but also mental health counseling, help with parenting skills and connection to basic needs such as housing, food, job training and primary medical care – a one stop shop.
Integrated Care Benefits
When mental and physical health are no longer viewed as isolated areas, the benefits can lead to multiple positive outcomes:
- Increased access to care
- Enhanced care coordination
- Improved patient experience
- Reduced healthcare disparities
- Cost savings
- Better overall health and wellness
Integrated care represents a fundamental shift in how we approach and deliver healthcare services. Mike D’Amico, Oaks Vice President explains, “The integrated care model brings behavioral health to parity with other healthcare–something that we’ve been seeking to do for decades. It’s giving us the resources, technical expertise and funding to create meaningful change and outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness or addiction, our programs throughout New Jersey provide an opportunity to stabilize symptoms and move toward recovery. To learn more, call our confidential Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
