Issue 4

This issue of Behavioral Health Integration Resource Roundup brings you a curated selection of the latest research, upcoming events, and practical tools to support behavioral health integration.

Research Highlights

Real-World Implementation of Collaborative Care in the United States: A Systematic Review

May 2026

Researchers at the University of Washington's AIMS Center analyzed 21 real-world U.S. implementation studies and confirmed that Collaborative Care (CoCM) works outside of controlled trials, delivering clinically effective outcomes across a wide range of settings and populations. However, inconsistent reporting of process measures across studies points to the need for a standardized reporting checklist. The authors propose eight reporting domains to help programs better compare results and scale successful programs.

May 2026

Despite CoCM billing growing by over 1,000% between 2018 and 2022, fewer than 0.01% of commercially insured individuals with a depression or anxiety diagnosis ever received those services and 59% of those who did received less than three months of care, well below the 6-12 month window associated with clinical effectiveness. The authors are clear that reimbursement codes alone are not enough. Training gaps, administrative burden, and workforce shortages must all be addressed together in order for CoCM to reach more patients.

May 2026

Drawing on data from 157 clinics in New York State's Collaborative Care Medicaid Program (CCMP; 71% FQHCs), this study finds that even with ongoing financial and technical support in place, reach and outcomes remain major challenges. Just 13% of patients who screened positive for depression enrolled in CoCM, and only 42% showed clinically significant symptom improvement. Care manager engagement, staffing levels, and caseload size emerged as the key predictors of program performance. The takeaway for health systems and policymakers is that sustainability depends on getting the workforce infrastructure right, not just the funding.

March 2026

Across 11 primary care clinics and nearly 118,000 patients, this study tracked CoCM engagement from screening through treatment completion and found significant attrition at every step. Only half of patients were screened, just 20% of eligible patients were referred, and only 35% of those who engaged completed treatment. Disparities surfaced early, with Black patients and Medicaid beneficiaries less likely to be screened, but largely disappeared after referral suggesting CoCM may help level the playing field once patients are enrolled.

Resources & Tools

Free E-Learning for CoCM Teams - In partnership with West Health and Northwestern Medicine, the Meadows Institute launched a free, asynchronous, e-learning program designed for every member of the Collaborative Care team. Separate courses are available for behavioral health care managers, primary care clinicians, psychiatric consultants, and billing staff. Courses are free to enroll, self-paced, and available now!

Integration Academy IBH Financing Toolkit - The National Integration Academy Council released a new Financing and Sustaining Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care Settings Toolkit. It includes hands-on planning resources, case examples, and a customized pro forma calculator designed for healthcare leaders, clinical teams, and billing and claims staff.

Maryland HB 0746 Collaborative Care Model Cost Sharing Prohibition and Coverage Requirements - Maryland’s Governor Signed HB 0746 into law on May 26, prohibiting cost-sharing requirements (copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) for services delivered under the Collaborative Care model through Medicaid and requiring commercial insurers to cover CoCM services. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with additional provisions beginning January 1, 2027.

Forecasted RFP for SAMHSA PIPBHC State Grants - SAMHSA has posted a forecasted Request for Proposals for new Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care (PIPBHC) state grants. The Formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has not yet been released, but eligible state agencies should begin preparing and monitor Grants.gov for the official NOFO.

Events

June 25 | Virtual

Free Webinar on Building Scalable Collaborative Care Models

The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) will walk through the full implementation lifecycle of Collaborative Care from program design and pilot execution to scaling across practice settings. Participants will explore integration strategies, key data requirements, and how to build programs that are measurable and positioned for long-term success. Register here.

June 25 | Virtual

Free Webinar on Integrated Care in Tribal Communities

Join the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions for a free webinar on how Tribal communities are advancing integrated behavioral health and primary care. This session will explore integrated care implementation strategies and lessons learned from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Indian Hospital’s Analenisgi Behavioral Health Program, and other Tribal health programs across the country. Register here.

July 15 | Virtual

Free Panel on Collaborative Care Metrics

The Meadows Institute, in partnership with the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions, is hosting another installment of the 2026 online Collaborative Care Conversation Series. This panel will explore metric development for integrated behavioral health evaluation across a variety of settings. Register today.

July 21 | Virtual

Free Webinar on Collaborative Care for LGBTQ+ Populations

Join the AIMS Center Quarterly Webinar Series to learn from leading experts in Collaborative Care and integrated care who will share insights on strengthening inclusion in Collaborative Care with practical strategies, evidence-based insights, and team-wide approaches. Register today.

July 29 | In-Person

ACU 2026 Behavioral Health Leadership Forum - Washington, D.C.

The Meadows Institute Health System Transformation team will present about Collaborative Care implementation and federal behavioral health priorities at the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) Behavioral Health Leadership Forum. Learn More and Register here.

August 12 | Virtual

Free Panel on CoCM Training Modules for your Care Team

The Meadows Institute, in partnership with the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions, is hosting another installment of the 2026 online Collaborative Care Conversation Series that will explore new training offerings and discuss core competencies for CoCM team members. Register today.

Learn More

For information on Collaborative Care technical assistance and implementation, contact: CoCM Technical Assistance (TA) Team

Contact the CoCM TA Team

Research Highlights

Real-World Implementation of Collaborative Care in the United States: A Systematic Review

May 2026

Variations in Use of Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model Codes and Episodes of Care for Commercially Insured Individuals

May 2026

Predictors of Sustainability in the Collaborative Care Medicaid Program for Depression

May 2026

Disparities in the Treatment Engagement Cascade of Collaborative Care for Depression in a Pragmatic Implementation Study

March 2026

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