General Info

The term “behavioral health” is used to emphasize the broad applicability of integrated health services in medical care. Behavioral health encompasses behavioral factors in chronic illness care, care of physical symptoms associated with stress rather than diseases, and health behaviors, as well as mental health and substance abuse conditions and diagnoses. At Riverwood Healthcare, the need for integrating behavioral health into primary care has been recognized as a priority. Many patients present to primary care seeking relief for physical symptoms that are related to mental, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems. Alternatively, illness can lead to depression, stress, or other behavioral health issues. Evidence has found physical, mental, and social challenges are often interrelated. Improving the communication between behavioral health and primary care providers will improve care coordination and patient outcomes. Good healthcare, at its best, should be inclusive of behavioral health. Mental Illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50 percent of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some time in their lives. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness each year, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC).