Integrating Physical Health Care and Wellness Services in Community Behavioral Health Agencies: Case Studies of Two Agencies in Pennsylvania

As efforts to integrate physical and behavioral health services are undertaken, it is critical to understand their implementation. This study examined the implementation of the Behavioral Health Home Plus program in two behavioral health agencies in Pennsylvania. Each agency hired a nurse, provided wellness coaching training, and implemented web-based outcomes tracking.

Although the agencies successfully trained their staffs in wellness coaching and developed integrated care planning processes, they experienced difficulty establishing communication protocols, discomfort among staff in addressing physical health concerns, and modest uptake of the web-based tools. This study highlights the practical aspects of integration and offers recommendations for future efforts.