IFM | Mental Health Month: Behavioral Health Integration

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, Shannon Connolly, MD, FAAFP, associate medical director at the Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, discusses family physicians' crucial role as the first and sometimes only point of contact for mental health care, especially in underserved settings. She explains how psychosocial and behavioral factors underlie many primary care challenges such as complex pain, substance use disorders and uncontrolled chronic disease. Connolly shares a patient story illustrating how integrated support (therapy, social work and appropriate medications) improved both mental health and diabetes outcomes. She outlines behavioral health integration models, including physician-delivered care, co-located primary care behavioral health and the registry-driven collaborative care model, highlighting benefits for patient outcomes and physician workload. The conversation also addresses access barriers, telehealth as a scaling strategy and the importance of destigmatizing physicians seeking mental healthcare to combat burnout, depression and anxiety.

Topics By Timestamp

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:00 Why Family Medicine

01:38 Path to Behavioral Health

02:51 Family Docs as First Line

03:52 Patient Story Real Impact

06:47 What Is Behavioral Integration

07:05 Models Collaborative Care

08:46 Benefits for Patients and Docs

10:32 Access for Underserved Patients

12:12 Overcoming Implementation Barriers

13:52 Physician Mental Health Matters

16:38 Resources and Closing

Additional Resources

Mental and Behavioral Health Clinical Guidance | AAFP

FPM Topic Collection: Behavioral Health | AAFP

Integrating Behavioral Health Into Primary Care | AAFP

Free CME: Behavioral Health Integration On Demand | AAFP

CME collection: Mental Health and Behavior | AAFP CME

Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Collaborative | American Medical Association

Compendium of behavioral health integration resources for physician practices | American Medical Association

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.