Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders

Behavioral health problems, which include mental health and substance use disorders, are among the most common conditions seen in primary care settings. Behavioral health conditions often affect medical illnesses. Integrated behavioral healthcare blends primary care for medical conditions with care at the same site for mental health and substance abuse disorders that affect health and well-being. AHRQ provides data to quantify behavioral health challenges, tools and resources for screening and treatment, and funding for behavioral health research.

Initiatives

• Academy for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: An online portal developed by AHRQ to serve as a national resource and coordinating center for integrating behavioral health and primary care services. It includes resources for the treatment of substance use disorders such as opioid use disorder (OUD) and unhealthy alcohol use.

Highlighted Resources

• Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook: Practical guide for implementing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in primary care and other ambulatory care settings.
• Opioid Use in Older Adults Compendium of Resources: This change package supports efforts by primary care practices and healthcare systems to improve opioid medication management and prevent opioid misuse and opioid use disorder in older adults in primary care. 
• Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook: A guide for primary care practices and health systems on how to integrate behavioral health in primary care and other ambulatory care settings.
• Collection of Unhealthy Alcohol Use Tools and Resources: Tools and resources for managing unhealthy alcohol use in primary care.