Name
C09 - Inside the Payer Lens: Psychiatrists Shaping Integrated Behavioral Health from the Payer Medical Director Seat
Date & Time
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Location Name
Regency E (2nd Floor)
Description

This panel explores the critical role of payer alignment in the success and scalability of integrated behavioral health (IBH) models. Moderated by a family physician, three psychiatrists serving as Medical Directors for major commercial health plans will share how insurers evaluate IBH initiatives, design reimbursement models, and use quality metrics and utilization management to guide adoption. Panelists will provide insider perspectives on how payers assess value, manage risk, and collaborate with provider organizations to improve behavioral health outcomes. Attendees will gain practical strategies for aligning clinical innovation with payer priorities and building financially sustainable, outcome-driven IBH programs.

Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Financing and Operational Sustainability, Policy and Systems Change, Psychiatry
Session Type
Concurrent
Describe how commercial payers evaluate integrated behavioral health models for quality, cost, and scalability.
Explain how reimbursement models (e.g., value-based care, bundled payments, collaborative care codes) influence IBH adoption.
Apply practical strategies to strengthen partnerships between provider organizations and payers.

https://www.thebowmanfamilyfoundation.org/latest-releases

https://www.filesbff.org/CoCM_Total_Healthcare_Costs_Issue_Brief.pdf

https://filesmhtari.org/COCM_Progress_Report.pdf

Hobbs K. Beyond Traditional Care Models: How Value-Based Partnerships Are Revolutionizing Behavioral Health Outcomes. Becker’s Payer Issues. 2025.

Martin M, Suri Y, Doebbeling B, et al. Value-Based Integrated Case Management at Payor Level: Implementation and Impact. Professional Case Management. 2022.