Name
Defense Health Agency Innovations to Support Behavioral Health
Date & Time
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Description

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) supports our nation by improving health and building readiness. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of health and readiness. DHA supports mental health through an integrated system of programs called the Behavioral Health System of Care. The Behavioral Health System of Care (BHSOC) leverages many tools and programs, depending on the local beneficiary needs. Two of these vital tools and programs are Telebehavioral health and Targeted Care. The DHA utilizes a system of care model to promote efficient and effective BH care for Military Health System beneficiaries by standardizing program requirements, assessment and treatment services, documentation, coordination processes, training requirements, and outcomes measurement. Core program elements of the DHA BHSOC include Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH), Child and Family BH (CAFBH), Outpatient Behavioral Health (OBH), Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Inpatient Behavioral Health (IBH), and Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF). Outcomes measurement is a core feature of the DHA BHSOC and employs a combination of enabling metrics, driver metrics, and outcomes metrics. The DHA is also leveraging technological tools, starting with expanding use of Telebehavioral health services. DHA is currently working to greatly expand access to, and utilization of, TBH among behavioral health providers across the MHS enterprise. Military treatment facilities and regional networks will leverage provider availability across their existing coverage area, as well as across the global MHS enterprise. DHA’s Virtual Medical Center’s (VMC) “Behavioral Health Resources And Virtual Experience” (BRAVE) TBH hub will be used to “backstop” behavioral health services for the entire MHS enterprise, ensuring that Direct Care patients always have ready access to behavioral health providers. Active duty Service Members (ADSMs), and other Direct Care beneficiaries, will be able to request and schedule TBH services through a simple phone call to one of a series of regional “Integrated Referral Management and Appointing Centers” (IRMAC). Active Duty family members, and others who receive their care through the TRICARE Private Sector Care Network, will be able to access expanded TBH services from existing network providers and dedicated TBH provider organizations. TRICARE beneficiaries should check with their regional service coordinators for information on accessing TBH services within their network. DHA is also in the midst of targeting a new initiative that is called Targeted Care (TC) that better leverages the full scope of behavioral health resources that are available to DHA beneficiaries. While the Department of Defense has for many years supported military installation communities through a wide scope of resources, Targeted Care better operationalizes use of those resources for those with identified mental distress. The presentation will: describe the TC components; describe the TC workflow; review findings from pilot sites; and discuss the way ahead as DHA plans expansion of TC across the MHS.

Location Name
Woodrow Wilson Ballroom
View Slides Deck 1
Content Presented on Behalf of
MHS/HA
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the principal components of the Defense Health Agency Behavioral Health System of Care.
2. Identify at least two ways the Defense Health Agency is leveraging Telebehavioral health to improve the accessibility of behavioral healthcare.
3.Describe the Defense Health Agency Targeted Care model components and workflow.
Session Type
Breakout
CE/CME Session
CE/CME Session
COL(Ret) Bill Moran, AMSUS Executive Officer
Dropdown Content Presented On Behalf Of:
MHS/HA