Integrated care recognizes that behavioral health is a critical component of overall health. There is a growing body of evidence that integrating physical and behavioral health care promotes better overall health and can reduce per capita costs. Chronic illness accounts for more than 75% of the nation’s health spending, and behavioral factors are leading causes of such illness (CDC). In addition, people with co-occurring medical and mental health conditions incure higher health care costs. For example, a recent study found that the monthly total health expenditures for persons with chronic medical conditions and co-occurring depression were on average more than $500 higher than for persons with chronic medical conditions who were not depressed (Melek & Norris, 2008). Most of this difference was attributable to higher medical (not mental health) expenditures.
(American Psychological Association Practice Organization Fall 2014 Good Practice)
