Integrate Now: The Important Role of Behavioral Health in Geriatric Care

The elderly population faces high rates of depression and other mental illness, but the healthcare they receive often overlooks behavioral health treatment completely. In this paper, we explore the important role behavioral health plays in caring for elderly patients and examine the consequences of the current segmented healthcare system. Our findings present the clear opportunity for improvement and provide another example of how health system integration has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions.