The Model
MHIP uses Collaborative Care: an evidence-based approach that brings mental health treatment into primary care and supports the primary care provider with a care coordinator and a consulting psychiatrist.
- Patient-centered team care. Primary care and behavioral health providers collaborate effectively, using shared care plans focused on each patient's goals.
- Population-based care. A registry tracks the entire caseload so no patient falls through the cracks.
- Measurement-based treatment to target. Validated tools such as the PHQ-9 measure symptoms over time and show whether treatment is working.
- Evidence-based care. Patients receive treatments supported by credible research, including medication management and brief behavioral interventions.
- Accountable care. Providers are responsible for quality of care and clinical outcomes, with systematic follow-up and adjustment when patients are not improving.
The collaborative care team
The primary care provider remains responsible for the patient's medical care and prescribing. A clinic-based care coordinator engages the patient, monitors progress, supports treatment, and maintains the registry. A consulting psychiatrist regularly reviews the caseload and gives focused recommendations to the care coordinator and primary care provider.
Stepped care
Treatment is adjusted according to clinical outcomes. Patients who are not improving receive a change in treatment, psychiatric consultation, or referral to a higher level of specialty care.