Implementation of Peer Providers in Integrated Mental Health and Primary Care Settings

Abstract

AbstractObjective: Peer providers are essential to the delivery of recovery-oriented mental health services, but little is known about their roles in delivering integrated mental health and primary care services. This study examines how peer-based services are implemented in newly integrated behavioral health care settings in Los Angeles County, California. Methods: During summer 2013, teams of 3 implementation monitors conducted full-day on-site program visits at 24 integrated behavioral health pilot programs. Site visits involved semistructured interviews with program staff members. Case study analysis was used to explore the implementation of peer services in newly integrated care programs. We report findings using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: The integrated behavioral health teams at 14 integrated programs included peer providers. Variation in the definition of peer providers, their roles, and the extent of programmatic infrastructure to support their team involveme...