New Integrated Care Policy*

Did you know that APASI (formerly the APA Practice Organization) released an integrated care policy earlier this year? It’s a companion policy to the APA policy approved by APA Council in 2016, and expands on pocketbook issues related to psychologists practicing integrated care. For example, the policy addresses reimbursement issues, business models/colocation, workforce development, legislative advocacy, professional identity, legal/regulatory advocacy, and marketplace issues.

If you haven’t taken a look here is the link: https://www.apaservices.org/about/resolution-integrated-care.pdf

Why are policies like this one important to psychologists practicing in integrated care?

1. They can be used for advocacy work at a state or federal level.

2. They can be used in legal/regulatory advocacy to promote psychology and integrated care.

3. They can provide support within organized psychology to fund or staff projects.

4. Policies can be used within healthcare systems to promote clinical services.

5. They can promote research ideas around integrated care and psychology.

I hope you will check out both policies and think about how you might use these to enhance your professional goals.

Additional links:

APA Integrated Care Policy 2016: https://www.apa.org/about/policy/integrated-primary-care

Integrated Healthcare Resources and Videos: https://www.apa.org/health/integrated-health-care

Behavioral Health and Primary Care Handout: https://www.apa.org/health/behavioral-health-services-primary-care.pdf

*This is my last blog as CAPP Vice Chair as CAPP will sunset June 30, 2019. I am feeling confident the voice and advocacy work of CAPP will continue among groups such as ACC, BPA, CSL, and Division 31. I am pleased to announce I will continue blogging as President Elect of Division 31, where state and federal advocacy and integrated care will be sure to be ongoing topics.