FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Alexis Musto, [email protected], 518-330-8983
Mental Health Without the Wait
CCP Integrated Behavioral Health Tackles Access and Stigma During Mental Health Month
LATHAM, N.Y. – April 24, 2025 – May is National Mental Health Month—a time to prioritize emotional well-being and fight stigma. Community Care Physicians (CCP) is proud to spotlight its Integrated Behavioral Health program, the only model of its kind in the Capital Region, which embeds licensed behavioral health counselors directly into CCP’s primary care offices. This innovative approach removes barriers like long wait times and fragmented referrals, reduces costs, and improves outcomes.
On Wednesday, May 15, CCP’s Integrated Behavioral Health team will host an informational table at Wellness Way in Latham (CCP’s headquarters) to share resources and raise awareness about the vital link between mental and physical health.
A Proven Model with Real Impact
Studies show that 80% of people with a behavioral health disorder will visit a primary care provider at least once a year, and 67% of people with a behavioral health disorder do not get treatment. This is partly tied to access; two-thirds of primary care physicians report not being able to access outpatient behavioral health for their patients for due to shortages of mental health care providers, health plan barriers, and lack of coverage or inadequate coverage. Integration overcomes these barriers also helps reduce stigma that can affect seeking care: 83% of patients say they feel more comfortable discussing mental health with their PCP when support is available onsite.
“Integrated Behavioral Health using the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model allows us to meet patients where they are — in the same space where they already seek care and feel most comfortable,” said Dr. Cynthia Stone, Director and creator of Integrated Behavioral Health at CCP. “Embedding behavioral health into primary and specialty care promotes whole-person care, acknowledging the deep connection between physical and emotional health, and enables real-time collaboration between providers. It also supports the early identification of behavioral health needs, often before symptoms escalate. Patients truly appreciate the ease and immediacy of access. Just imagine having an appointment with your doctor and being able to see a mental health provider if needed in the same day!”
Since its launch in 2014, CCP’s Integrated Behavioral Health program has seen measurable success:
- 94% of patients referred or requesting behavioral health services attend their initial visit within two weeks of request.
- 95% of patients reports 9 out of 10 (10 being the highest) in patient satisfaction
- 62% reduction in symptom severity
- 90% treatment retention rate
- 74% decrease in emergency room use
Mental Health Care That Saves Lives—and Costs
Beyond clinical results, integrated care reduces overall health system costs. Depression, for example, is consistently ranked among the top drivers of overall health care costs, when considering direct medical expenses, pharmacy costs, and lost productivity.
Mental Health Matters—Now More Than Ever
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year.
- More than 60% of people with a mental health condition don’t receive treatment.
- Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
“Mental health has a significant impact on chronic conditions, and vice versa,” said Dr. Stone. “Mental Health Month allows us to elevate that message. Through our integrated approach, we ensure help is just a hallway away—not a referral and a six-week wait.”
Community Care Physicians invites media, healthcare advocates, and community members to stop by the table at Wellness Way on May 15 to learn more about the IBH program and the ongoing commitment to whole-person care. Interviews can also be arranged on another date of your choosing.
Event Details:
What: Integrated Behavioral Health of Community Care Physicians Awareness Table
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Wellness Way Lobby, 6 Wellness Way, Latham, NY 12110
Who: Integrated Behavioral Health Team – Community Care Physicians
About Community Care Physicians:
Community Care Physicians (CCP) is the largest independent multispecialty medical group in the Capital Region, with over 70 practices in Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Since 1984, this physician-led organization has provided high quality, accessible, and convenient care for all ages with patient-centered programs like Integrated Behavioral Health throughout the region. www.communitycare.com
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