What Is Behavioral Health? 

Behavioral health refers to the link between behaviors and the well-being of the body and mind. Read on to learn about common behavioral health concerns, whole-person care, and more.

Behavioral health refers to the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. It includes mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and physical symptoms related to stress. Behavioral healthcare involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Read on to learn more about common behavioral health concerns, how care is evolving, and what support options are available.

What are common behavioral health concerns?

Common behavioral health concerns include:

• Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Substance abuse
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Trauma-related disorders
• Chronic stress
• Executive dysfunction
• Sleep disturbances

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in five U.S. adults lives with a clinically significant mental health condition or substance use disorder. Mental health and behavioral health issues are also rising among children and teens. Despite the growing need, many individuals don’t receive adequate care—largely due to a persistent shortage of behavioral health providers.

What is behavioral health integration?

A promising solution to help bridge the care gap, especially for those with mild to moderate conditions, is behavioral health integration. Behavioral health integration is an approach in which physical and behavioral health services are provided in a coordinated and collaborative manner. In this model, primary care teams work closely with behavioral health professionals—such as counselors, social workers, or psychologists—to deliver patient-centered care for mental illness. 

Integration can happen within a range of clinical settings, including family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, and even specialty care like cardiology or women’s health. The core idea is that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and care should reflect that reality. By embedding behavioral health into the everyday workflow of medical care, patients receive more timely, consistent, and effective support from a behavioral health provider.

Charlie Health’s virtual treatment programs depend on behavioral health integration in treating conditions such as substance use disorder and eating disorders. 

Benefits of behavioral health integration 

There are many advantages of integrated care. These include:

• Promoting whole-person care
• Improving access to long-term monitoring and mental health services
• Closing treatment gaps
• Reducing stigma around behavioral health treatment
• Lowering the risk of self-harm
• Increasing patient satisfaction and convenience
• Improving health outcomes
• Enhancing provider well-being by reducing burnout
• Supporting long-term cost savings for practices

When physicians feel better equipped to address the full spectrum of their patient’s needs, both care quality and job satisfaction improve. This model fosters stronger relationships between patients and providers, promotes early and ongoing intervention, and aligns care plans across disciplines. It also supports a healthier, more resilient workforce by equipping providers with the tools and resources they need to treat complex cases without burning out.

How to implement behavioral healthcare in clinical practice

Introducing behavioral health integration into a practice requires thoughtful planning. Clinics must consider staffing needs, such as hiring a behavioral health specialist or partnering with local providers. Training is also essential, as medical staff must be equipped to screen for mental health concerns, engage in compassionate communication, and coordinate referrals. 

Technology plays a vital role in facilitating integration, particularly through shared electronic health records that allow providers to track patient progress and communicate securely. Clinics may also need to adjust workflows—such as allowing longer appointment times or building in follow-up protocols—to accommodate behavioral health support. While these changes can be complex, they are highly adaptable and can evolve as a practice grows or patient needs shift.

Clinics and health systems can choose the approach that best fits their needs based on factors like:

• Practice size
• Patient demographics
• Staffing and expertise
• Available technology

Workflows can be adapted over time as patient needs and practice capabilities evolve.

To support adoption, the American Medical Association (AMA) AMA offers behavioral health how-to guides—practical, evidence-based resources for implementing behavioral health integration in areas such as pharmacological treatment, screening and treating substance use disorders, and suicide prevention. These tools are informed by AMA policies that advocate for stronger integration across healthcare.

Technology’s role in supporting behavioral health

As healthcare continues to embrace digital tools, technology has become an essential component of behavioral health integration. Telehealth, in particular, has dramatically expanded access to mental health care by allowing patients to connect with providers from home or other convenient locations. For those in rural or underserved areas—or anyone facing transportation, scheduling, or mobility challenges—this can be a vital lifeline.

Telehealth also supports continuity of care, as providers can follow up with patients more frequently and offer brief interventions between visits. Patient portals, apps, and remote monitoring tools help track symptoms and keep patients engaged in their care.

These digital options not only improve patient outcomes—they also enhance provider flexibility and allow clinics to extend their reach without overwhelming existing staff.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a behavioral health concern, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s treatment programs, including our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), provide more than once-weekly treatment for people dealing with serious conditions, including behavioral health concerns. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing behavioral health and mental health concerns is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.