PRIORITY 2
Increase access to evidence-based treatments for substance use and mental health disorders in specialty and primary care.
We must expand the effective identification and treatment of behavioral health conditions in specialty and primary care. Effective care models exist to treat many individuals with substance use and mental health disorders in primary care. Public and private stakeholders—policymakers, payers, accreditors, and others—should take the steps needed to make these effective practices the standard of care. One evidence-based approach to addressing behavioral health in primary care is the Collaborative Care Model.
Priority 2 Calls to Action
Priority 2 is one of six strategic imperatives the National Response has identified to help transform mental health and suicide prevention nationwide in the wake of the pandemic and beyond. The related Priority 2 calls to action that follow were developed by the National Response Steering Committee in order to foster a comprehensive and impactful response to the significant mental health and suicide prevention needs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
Priority 2 Collaboration
The National Response is collaborating with The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use to advance components of Priority 2 focused on increasing access to evidence-based treatments for mental health and substance use disorders in both specialty and primary care settings. For more information about this collaboration, please view the joint press release.
Please visit this page often for progress updates and for information on how you can get involved.
Priority 2 Specific Resources
Take Action
All Americans—and all sectors of society—can help promote mental health and suicide prevention.