The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) Annual Conference, held in San Antonio, TX, from October 24-26, 2024, marked the organization’s 30th anniversary. This premier event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations committed to advancing the integration of medicine and behavioral health. With over 80 sessions, 20 continuing education credits, and ample networking opportunities, the CFHA Annual Conference has become a vital forum for building professional relationships and driving forward integrated care innovations.
From right to left: PRISM’s Sarah Bernes, MPH, LMSW, MBA, PRISM’s Lead Clinical Training and Implementation Specialist and Ed Deneke, MD, PRISM’s Lead Psychiatric Consultant Trainer
PRISM contributed valuable insights through two presentations led by Sarah Bernes, MPH, LMSW, MBA, PRISM’s Lead Clinical Training and Implementation Specialist, and Ed Deneke, MD, PRISM’s Lead Psychiatric Consultant Trainer, experts in Collaborative Care. Their sessions focused on dispelling myths about the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) and sharing real-world experiences of implementing CoCM across states.
The first presentation, “Myths About Collaborative Care”, tackled persistent misconceptions surrounding CoCM. Presented by Bernes and Deneke, this session challenged common myths that often hinder the full adoption of CoCM. Despite decades of research—including over 90 randomized controlled trials—proving CoCM’s effectiveness, certain myths remain pervasive. They addressed beliefs like “we already treat depression effectively” or “collaborative practices are already in place.” They highlighted how CoCM’s structured, team-based model, involving primary care providers, behavioral health managers, and psychiatric consultants, significantly enhances patient outcomes. Research reveals that twice as many patients with depression see improvement in CoCM settings compared to traditional treatment.
The second presentation, “Stories from the Field: Collaborative Care Implementation in Three States”, featured a moderated panel discussion led by Bernes, with expert insights from representatives of New York, Michigan, and Arkansas Dr. Deneke discussed Michigan’s journey implementing CoCM, noting logistical and policy barriers and the adaptive strategies that have helped integrate CoCM into healthcare systems. This interactive session revealed how different states approach CoCM, demonstrating both common challenges, such as funding and workforce limitations, and unique state-specific facilitators that enable successful adoption.