Name
From Evidence to Implementation: A Hands-On Training with the AHRQ Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook
Description

Did you know there is a free, online technical assistance resource designed to help primary care teams implement integrated behavioral health? Join three leaders in the field for a hands-on training exploring the newly updated AHRQ Integration Academy Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook. Participants will learn how this practical, evidence-based implementation guide supports key components of integrated care, including team-based workflows, sustainable financing strategies, addressing health-related social needs, and patient-centered behavioral health treatment. Through brief instruction, case examples, and interactive exercises, attendees will apply Playbook tools to real-world practice scenarios. Participants will leave with practical strategies and freely available resources to strengthen integrated, collaborative, and equitable care in primary care settings.

Speakers
Danielle Durant, PhD, MS, MS, MBA
Neil Korsen, MD
Jodi Polaha, PhD
Co-Authors
Monique Thornton, MPH, Founder/CEO, Let's Talk Public Health, Washington, DC
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Collaborative Care Model of Integrated Care, Primary Care Behavioral Health Model, Technical assistance
Session Type
Concurrent
Objective 1
Understand how the AHRQ Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook was updated and redesigned and how to navigate this resource.
Objective 2
Apply tools and strategies from the AHRQ Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Playbook to plan workflows and team roles for integrated care.
Objective 3
Develop practical approaches to expand access to behavioral health services in primary care by addressing workforce, technology, and population health considerations.
Content Reference 1

Butler, M., Kane, R. L., McAlpine, D., Kathol, R. G., Fu, S. S., Hagedorn, H., & Wilt, T. J. (2008). Integration of mental health/substance abuse and primary care. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/mhsapc-evidence-report.html

Content Reference 2

Peek, C. J., & the National Integration Academy Council (NIAC). (2023). Lexicon for behavioral health and primary care integration: Concepts and definitions developed by expert consensus. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://integrationacademy.ahrq.gov/products/lexicon

Content Reference 3

Reiss-Brennan, B., Brunisholz, K. D., Dredge, C., Briot, P., Grazier, K., Wilcox, A., Savitz, L., & James, B. (2016). Association of integrated team-based care with health care quality, utilization, and cost. JAMA, 316(8), 826–834. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.11232

Content Reference 4

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2025). Integrating behavioral health and primary care playbook. AHRQ Academy for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care. https://integrationacademy.ahrq.gov/products/playbooks/behavioral-health-primary-care