Reimagining Behavioral Health: Improving Lives with a Population Health Approach

For decades, our nation’s behavioral health strategy has centered on an acute care model, primarily addressing diagnosed conditions through one-on-one therapy in traditional settings. While effective for many, this approach has fallen short, leaving too many people with unmet or inadequately addressed needs. We urgently need to evolve our approach to meet the complexity and scale of behavioral health issues and address the growing disparities in the US. We must urgently evolve our approach to meet the complexity and scale of behavioral health challenges and to reduce growing disparities across the U.S.

Building on years of progress, a broader "population health approach" shifts our focus beyond those with diagnosed conditions to include individuals at greater risk, those with subclinical symptoms, and those who are generally healthy. By prioritizing the psychological well-being of all, this approach envisions a continuum of care from prevention and early intervention to treatment and long-term support.

Drawing heavily from public health and psychological science, a population health approach to behavioral health also involves strategies that go beyond healthcare to create a more effective, comprehensive and equitable approach to addressing the needs of the nation. This session will provide the conceptual foundation for this approach and demonstrate its practical application through real-world examples.