Name
N06 - Squeezing Blood from a Turnip: A Case Study in IBH Implementation, Adaptation, and Lessons Learned
Date & Time
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location Name
302C
Description

This session aligns with Breaking Boundaries: Redefining Access and Expansion in Integrated Care by critically examining what happens when ideal models of integrated behavioral health (IBH) collide with the realities of an organization’s structure, readiness, and limitations. Using a real-world case study from Johnson Health Center, we will explore the challenges of implementing an IBH program within an FQHC setting, focusing on staffing, resources, and organizational readiness. Participants will engage in an interactive, case-based discussion, reflecting on their own experiences and learning strategies to navigate these barriers. Much like a morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference in medicine, we will analyze key decision points, adaptations, and when to pivot or compromise for sustainability.

Speakers
Christian Neal, MD, Individual - Christian Neal,
Chelsea Piechowski LPC, NCC, Director of Behavioral Health, Individual - Chelsea Piechowski, Lynchburg, VA
Content Level
Intermediate
Tags
Primary Care Behavioral Health Model, Sustainability
Session Type
Concurrent
SIG or Committee
Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH)
Objective 1
Identify key challenges in implementing Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) within an organization, including issues related to organizational readiness, staffing limitations, and financial constraints.
Objective 2
Examine decision-making frameworks for navigating the adaptation and pivoting necessary in response to organizational barriers, balancing ideal models with real-world constraints.
Objective 3
Develop strategies for assessing organizational readiness, recognizing potential roadblocks, and making informed decisions to ensure sustainability of IBH programs in imperfect systems.
Content Reference 1

Bureau of Primary Health Care. (2017). Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: A Guide for Developing and Implementing an Integrated Behavioral Health Program in an FQHC Setting. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This resource offers comprehensive guidance on creating and sustaining integrated behavioral health programs in community health settings.

Content Reference 2

Blount, A. (2003). Integrated primary care: Organizing the family medicine workforce for the future. In Family, Systems, & Health, 21(4), 267-270. This article addresses the importance of workforce design in successful integrated care programs and the challenges that arise when workforce needs are not met.

Content Reference 3

Rosen, R., & Lister, S. (2020). Implementing Integrated Behavioral Health: Understanding the Challenges and Strategies for Success. American Journal of Public Health, 110(4), 485–491. This paper outlines common barriers and solutions in the implementation of integrated behavioral health across various settings.

Content Reference 4

Cummings, L. M., et al. (2018). Leadership and Organizational Readiness for Integrated Care: A Case Study. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 45(2), 220–228. Discusses the leadership dynamics required for successful IBH integration, with a focus on sustainable, scalable models in community health centers.

Content Reference 5

Blount, A., & Ball, B. (2017). Integrated Behavioral Health: A Comprehensive Approach to Practice. Journal of Integrated Care, 25(5), 238-245. The article highlights effective strategies for overcoming organizational limitations when implementing IBH in community health settings.