Using a Continuum-Based Framework for Behavioral Health Integration Into Primary Care in New York State.

Behavioral health integration with primary care has long been shown to be an essential part of improving health care and, more recently, of achieving the "triple aim" as part of national reform. Many states are promoting integration activities as part of Medicaid reform, using different models and strategies. The purpose of this column is to describe a framework developed to support behavioral health integration into primary care settings in New York State and how it is specifically linked to key policy initiatives. The framework is designed to be adaptable to practices of varying sizes and with various resources and organizational structures. Its use in groundbreaking New York State integration initiatives is discussed.