The Academy for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care

Mission

AHRQ’s Academy for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care (“AHRQ’s Integration Academy”) is a national resource and coordinating center for providers, practices, policymakers, and researchers interested in integrating behavioral health into primary care. Integration in this context refers to primary care and behavioral health clinicians working together with patients and families, using a systematic and evidenced-based approach to provide patient-centered care. This care may address mental health and substance abuse conditions, health behaviors (including their contribution to chronic medical illnesses), life stressors and crises, stress-related physical symptoms, and ineffective patterns of healthcare utilization.

Resources

• Literature Collection, a compilation of over 10,000 pieces of published and grey literature on the integration of behavioral health and primary care. 
• The Lexicon for Behavioral Health and Primary Care Integration, a set of concepts and definitions for clarifying what is meant by behavioral health and primary care integration. 
• Topic Briefs, a set of succinct guides addressing significant topics in behavioral health integration in primary care as they emerge. 
• Substance Use Resources, a searchable database of tools and resources for providers treating substance use disorders in primary care. 
• Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook, a guide to integrating behavioral health and primary care to help improve health care delivery to achieve better patient health outcomes. This Playbook will be updated and redesigned in 2025. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook, a practical guide for implementing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in primary care. This Playbook will be updated and redesigned in 2025.

National Integration Academy Council

The National Integration Academy Council (NIAC) serves as a technical expert panel for AHRQ’s Integration Academy. The NIAC assists with strategic planning, community building, national collaboration, and resource development. NIAC members represent clinicians and experts in the areas of:

• Primary care. 
• Behavioral health. 
• Healthcare finance. 
• Health information technology. 
• Health education. 
• Patient advocacy. 
• Health policy. 
• Healthcare for diverse populations.  
• Healthcare policy. 
• Addiction medicine. 
• Technical assistance.