Massachusetts Health Policy Forum

Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration: Advancing the Collaborative Care Model in the Commonwealth

Thursday, May 22, 2025

After a moving tribute for beloved Chair, Phil Johnston, MHPF Executive Director, Michael Doonan, announced the Forum will be renamed Philip W. Johnston Massachusetts Health Policy Forum in honor of his life's work in the Commonwealth. 

A research presentation and panel discussion focusing on the current Massachusetts health care environment, the challenges faced in meeting complex patient needs in primary care settings, and identify a path forward to advance the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) followed. Collaborative Care is an evidence-based approach to integrate behavioral healthcare into primary care settings that can improve quality of care, provide access to timely behavioral health evaluation and intervention, prevent suicides, and reduce overall healthcare costs.

This event was co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc. (MAMH). It is made possible by generous funding from the Bowman Family Foundation, The Goodness Web, Bend Health, Concert Health, and Helios Behavioral Health Foundation. The Massachusetts Health Policy Forum is also supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Baystate Health.

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