Promoting Integrated Physical and Behavioral Health Care for Older Adults

Course overview

Course Description: This course examines the growing imperative to integrate physical and behavioral health care for older adults in the United States. As the population aged 65 and older expands - projected to comprise 21% of the U.S. population by 2030 - the health system must respond to the complex, co-occurring conditions this demographic faces. Nearly 95% of older adults live with at least one chronic illness, and approximately 20% experience a mental health condition, often without access to adequate treatment. Substance use disorders are also increasing in this population, compounded by barriers such as poverty, transportation challenges, and social isolation. The course presents evidence-based integrated care models across multiple settings, including primary care, community-based and long-term care, hospital and transitional care, and emergency settings. Specific models examined include IMPACT, PROSPECT, PRISM-E, the Collaborative Care Model, PACE, I-IMR, HOPES, PBHCI, GeriPACT, and digital telehealth approaches. Behavioral health screening tools for older adults - including the PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT-C, and cognitive assessments - are reviewed. The course also addresses the infrastructure, workforce, payment, and policy levers required for sustainable integration, with attention to overcoming systemic barriers and centering person-centered, age-friendly care. This course on integrated physical and behavioral health care for older adults is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop or increase their knowledge of integrated care models and evidence-based approaches for serving older adults with co-occurring physical and behavioral health conditions. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide a professional with detailed information about integrated physical and behavioral health care for older adults. Specifically, the practitioner will: 1. Describe the prevalence and impact of co-occurring physical and behavioral health conditions among older adults and articulate the rationale for integrated care models across primary care, community, hospital, and behavioral health settings. 2. Compare evidence-based integrated care models - including IMPACT, PROSPECT, PRISM-E, CoCM, PACE, I-IMR, and HOPES - by identifying their core components, target populations, and documented clinical and cost outcomes. 3. Identify appropriate behavioral health screening tools for older adults to support implementation of integrated care in clinical settings. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026). Promoting integrated physical and behavioral health care for older adults (Publication No. PEP25-07-019). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.