Mental Health When and Where You Need It: Collaborative Care Makes A Difference
Debbie Reinheimer
| 4 min read
Key Takeaways
- Michigan’s Collaborative Care model integrates behavioral health specialists into primary care and OBGYN offices, letting patients receive mental health treatment without navigating a separate system.
- Participants see rapid improvements: 61% report reduced depression or anxiety, and more than half cut symptoms by at least 50%, while the program has saved roughly $1.46 million by cutting emergency visits and hospitalizations.
- The model offers flexible access patients can meet care managers in person, by video or phone helping those with severe depression and anxiety achieve remission in as little as six to eight months.
For more than 20 years, Jane* struggled with crippling depression and anxiety. She had dealt with it for so long, she couldn’t see what her life might be like without it. But her life changed after an appointment with her primary care provider.
That’s because at her doctor’s office, she has a care team that includes a behavioral health care manager and a consulting psychiatrist along with her primary care provider and other team members. Her team worked together to recommend a plan to help with the depression and anxiety. Jane had regular contact with the behavioral health care manager, receiving frequent support. Her care team regularly discussed her progress, and recommended a medication change, which also greatly helped. Within eight months, she was considered in remission.
“Doing this program has made me more comfortable in opening up about issues and concerns. I’m proud of myself in how far I have come after being miserable for so long,” said Jane.
Jane’s primary care provider is one of 338 practices across Michigan that participates in the Collaborative Care program, an innovative model that makes it easier for people to get their behavioral health needs addressed, by coordinating behavioral health care within the primary care or OB/GYN practice where a patient is already receiving care.
“With their behavioral health needs addressed alongside physical health, patients no longer have to navigate a complex system on their own. Instead, their primary care office becomes a one-stop hub for support,” said Jennifer Humphreys, RN, BSN, Genesys PHO, one organization that has nearly 30 practices participating in Collaborative Care.
Quicker access and reduced wait times
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year one in five adult Michiganders experience a mental illness, and more than 3.6 million live in an area where there are not enough mental health professionals.
With Collaborative Care, patients can more quickly access appropriate behavioral health treatment from within their primary care or OB/GYN practice. This also can help to avoid emergency room visits and added costs associated with untreated mental health conditions.
“This program is a more cost-effective alternative to direct psychiatric services. It also reduces the need for hospitalization by allowing me to see patients before they are in crisis,” said Rachel Netz, LMSW, a behavioral health care manager with Cereal City Pediatrics.
“I am touching base with my patients at least twice a month, and I offer my patients three different ways to meet – in person, via video or by phone call. They meet with me on their time, solving the problem of time constraints they would otherwise face.”
Netz is seeing good results coming from the program. She recalls one patient who had depression and anxiety scores in the severe level when she began the Collaborative Care program.
“She struggled with negative thought patterns, including significant worry and thoughts of suicide. During her time in the program, in collaboration with her care team, she learned what behaviors and habits support her mental health, as well as what behaviors work against it. She was able to ultimately graduate the program within six months of starting, ending with depression and anxiety scores in the minimal range,” said Netz.
Efficient care that saves costs
The 29 participating practices within Genesys PHO are also seeing good results from the Collaborative Care program, including reduced wait times for patients, less fragmentation, stronger teamwork, and measurable improvements in patient outcomes. For example:
- 61% of patients engaged in Collaborative Care show improvement in depression or anxiety levels.
- 52% of patients achieve a 50% or greater reduction in their symptoms.
“Better care means more efficient use of resources. Through reduced emergency visits, improved care coordination, and earlier interventions, the Collaborative Care program has generated measurable savings,” said Humphreys. “In fact, recent analysis showed a savings of $1.46 million.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan began working with physician organizations across the state a few years ago to develop and implement the Collaborative Care program. In 2025, BCBSM designated 338 physician practices as Collaborative Care. These practices are located in 33 counties throughout the state, including the Upper Peninsula.
“By embedding behavioral health into primary care, we’re breaking down barriers, improving outcomes and creating a model of care that benefits both patients and the health system,” said Humphreys.
To find a Blue Cross-designated Collaborative Care practice, go to “Find a Doctor” on bcbsm.com and select Collaborative Care in the Quality category.
*Not her real name
Image: Getty Images
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