A Behavioral Health Survey of Primary Care Integration in Rhode Island

Integrating behavioral and primary care practices improves quality of care, but limited data exists regarding the extent or attributes of such integration. We conducted a baseline evaluation of the level and characteristics of integrated practices in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Health 2015 Statewide Health Inventory Behavioral Health Survey was sent to behavioral health clinics and outpatient psychiatry and psychology practices. Survey questions assessed indicators of integration, including colocation, shared electronic medical records (EMRs), and shared communication systems. Only 19%, 9%, and 17% of behavioral health clinics, psychiatrists, and psychologists, respectively reported any integration with primary care practices. Compared to psychology (3.5%) and psychiatry (0.0%) practices, behavioral health clinics reported the highest level of practice colocation (10.4%,