Behavioral health integration in physician practices: Resources & policies

3 MIN READ
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At STEPS Forward, nearly 60 modules represent expert-driven, field-tested strategies designed to help you successfully implement meaningful and transformative change in your practice. Each module includes a step-by-step guide and downloadable tools and resources to assist in implementation.

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Featuring insights from health care leaders, these perspectives from the AMA series is a must for any health care professional who wants to stay up to date on the latest issues and trending topics in the space, including value-based care, telehealth, the opioid epidemic, Medicare payment, cyber security and much more.

Behavioral health: Expand patient care and improve practice efficiency: Hear from physician experts on how they helped lead the implementation of a more integrative approach to behavioral health services within their organizations.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has collected resources to help physicians cope with increased levels of distress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The curated resources build on the AMA’s ongoing efforts to ensure physicians and other frontline health care professionals have access to the latest news and information in a rapidly changing environment, including tools to manage their own mental health and well-being as they continue caring for patients.

Additional resources from other specialty associations are relevant to all of medicine. These evidence-based resources are brief and focus on actionable steps for physicians.

How has COVID-19 affected behavioral health and mental health needs within your practice? In a time when physical distancing and isolation are necessary responses to COVID-19, health care clinicians are rightfully concerned about their personal mental health as well as that of their colleagues, family members and patients.

View the latest discussion and engage with expert panelists, learn and share best practices and discuss how COVID-19 has affected behavioral health within your practice for you and your patients.

Read the latest information on ending the overdose epidemic.

The integration of behavioral and physical health care is more important than ever as the Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Collaborative works to increase access to essential treatment.

The policies listed here drive and inform the AMA’s work on BHI.


With an increased number of people reporting worsening mental health in recent years, it is imperative that people are aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) telephone program.

People experiencing a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress can call, chat or text 988, and speak to trained crisis counselors. The national hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to be operational and route calls to 988 indefinitely.

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