What to expect

First, your primary care provider needs to refer you to the program. Then someone from our team will contact you within 2 business days to set up a visit with a specially trained social worker called a behavioral care coordinator to schedule your initial 1-hour appointment. They will assess your needs and talk with you about if the program is right for you.

You can start the program in as soon as 2 weeks. Once you are enrolled, your treatment may include medication and/or a referral to therapy. Your behavioral care coordinator will contact you regularly by phone or video call to check in with you.

During these calls, they will:

• Review treatment recommendations
• Help you manage any medication side effects
• Support you and answer questions

Your treatment team

Primary care provider

• Leads your treatment team
• Oversees all aspects of your care
• Educates you about treatment options
• Prescribes medications as needed

Behavioral care coordinator

• Works closely with your treatment team to create and adjust your care plan
• Contacts you regularly by phone or video call to check in with you

Consulting psychiatrist

• Works with your treatment team to create a care plan
• Helps the behavioral care coordinator monitor your progress
• Supports your treatment team but does not meet with you

What your treatment team will do

• Identify and diagnose mental health conditions
• Develop a plan of care
• Give you tools to manage symptoms
• Connect you with community services that can address your needs
• Help you better understand your medications and quickly adjust them when needed
• Help you reach your treatment goals

How to Enroll

To enroll in the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program, you must have a Northwestern Medical Group Primary Care Physician. Contact your Northwestern Medical Group primary care physician to ask whether the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program is right for you.

Find a Participating Primary Care Physician