Comparison of Collaborative Care and Colocation Treatment for Patients With Clinically Significant Depression Symptoms in Primary Care

What is it about?

Research is needed comparing clinical outcomes for depression treatment in primary care using a model that colocates behavioral health services versus a model that uses integrated, collaborative care between the primary care and behavioral health teams (collaborative care model = CoCM). In the present study, patients were treated for clinically significant depressive symptoms in primary care sites implementing the CoCM or the colocation model. Patients receiving the CoCM had a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to patients receiving the colocation model. As the spread of behavioral health integration models in primary care occur, it will be important to consider these findings and potential implications for incentivizing CoCM elements.

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