Infusing Integrated Behavioral Health in an MSW Program: Curricula, Field, and Interprofessional Educational Activities

ABSTRACT

An essential aspect of integrated care is the coordination of medical and behavioral health needs concurrently. This has sparked renewed emphasis on interprofessional (IP) education and practice. The impetus for IP efforts was crystalized in large part because of health care reforms, and federal funding to expand the behavioral health work force. Using an ecological systems perspective, this article describes how one school is preparing a new generation of MSW students to work in integrated behavioral health care using a three-pronged approach involving curricula, field education, and IP activities. Social work education must ensure that new and experienced professionals can (a) understand the profession’s role in IP health care settings, and (b) navigate an evolving and complex health care environment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa de Saxe Zerden

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the Senior Associate Dean for MSW Education and a Clinical Associate Professor; Anne Jones is Clinical Professor; Rebecca Brigham is the Assistant Dean for Field Education; and Meryl Kanfer is the UNC-PrimeCare Coordinator. Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Anne Jones

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the Senior Associate Dean for MSW Education and a Clinical Associate Professor; Anne Jones is Clinical Professor; Rebecca Brigham is the Assistant Dean for Field Education; and Meryl Kanfer is the UNC-PrimeCare Coordinator. Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rebecca Brigham

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the Senior Associate Dean for MSW Education and a Clinical Associate Professor; Anne Jones is Clinical Professor; Rebecca Brigham is the Assistant Dean for Field Education; and Meryl Kanfer is the UNC-PrimeCare Coordinator. Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Meryl Kanfer

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the Senior Associate Dean for MSW Education and a Clinical Associate Professor; Anne Jones is Clinical Professor; Rebecca Brigham is the Assistant Dean for Field Education; and Meryl Kanfer is the UNC-PrimeCare Coordinator. Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the Senior Associate Dean for MSW Education and a Clinical Associate Professor; Anne Jones is Clinical Professor; Rebecca Brigham is the Assistant Dean for Field Education; and Meryl Kanfer is the UNC-PrimeCare Coordinator. Margaret (Meg) Zomorodi is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.