Integrated Approaches Improve Care, Lower Costs

Media Article Link:  http://apaconvention.com/2014/08/09/integrated-approaches-improve-care-lower-costs/

Fifty years ago, the president of the American Pediatric Society dreamed of employing psychologists in pediatric centers. Today, that dream of integrating physical and mental health care is a reality, thanks in part to 2008’s Mental Health Parity Act and the 2010 Affordable Care Act, said presenters at an APA convention symposium on innovative care strategies for youth.

Research shows integrated care not only reduces health-care costs, but benefits families and children, said Joan Asarnow, PhD, of the University of California, Los Angeles, Geffen School of Medicine, who conducted a meta-analysis looking at integrated care.

“When we go in and provide integrated care, our kids are more likely to get better,” she said.