- Rapid expansion of integrated specialty care using general integration principles, primary care models and new frameworks across diverse specialty settings.
- Integration improves patient outcomes including prevention, enhances provider satisfaction, and shows some evidence of reduced healthcare utilisation.
- Persistent barriers are financial reimbursement and workforce capacity; reducing financial barriers and building a competent behavioural health workforce are priorities.
Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2026 Jul 16;28(1):50. doi: 10.1007/s11920-026-01699-9.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The paper reviews the integrated specialty care literature from the past 5 years, summarizes themes, and highlights next steps for continuing to move the field forward.
RECENT FINDINGS: Forty-six articles have been written on integrated specialty care in the last 5 years. People are using generic integration principles, adapting primary care models, and outlining new adaptations and frameworks for their specialty settings. Providers continue to find integration important to their practice and their professional satisfaction. Positive impacts continue to be made on patient outcomes, including prevention. There is some evidence for decreases in utilization. Barriers continue with respect to reimbursement and financial support. Integrating behavioral health (BH) into specialty care is a beneficial endeavor for providers and patients alike. New trends in integration continue to emerge as additional specialty practices integrate. Reducing financial barriers while engaging in efforts to build a competent BH workforce are imperatives.
PMID:42461349 | DOI:10.1007/s11920-026-01699-9
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