A primary care connection
A patient identified through routine screening could meet a care coordinator in the same clinic, begin a shared care plan, and stay connected through short, regular follow-up contacts.
Stories
MHIP served people with varied medical, behavioral health, and social needs. These care pathways show how the program's collaborative approach supported the populations named in the original program.
Support for a veteran family
Veterans and family members could receive integrated mental health care in a familiar primary care setting, with specialty resources added when symptoms or circumstances required them.
Care for mothers and children
Low-income mothers and children could enter care through safety-net health services. The care coordinator helped organize treatment, monitor symptoms, and connect the family with community supports.
Help when treatment stalls
When a patient did not improve, registry data brought the case to psychiatric review. The psychiatrist advised the care coordinator and primary care provider on diagnosis, medication, or the next treatment step.
What patients could expect
- Care centered on personal goals and preferences
- Mental health treatment connected with medical care
- Regular follow-up instead of a one-time referral
- Progress measured with brief, validated tools
- Additional consultation or specialty care when needed