Strengthening Kentuckians' mental health
With the influx of more patients with behavioral health needs during the pandemic, a significant opportunity exists to share knowledge and best practices to better serve Kentuckians.
UK HealthCare is convening a Behavioral Health Community of Practice, and we invite you to join us in this important conversation. This multidisciplinary model will help connect primary care and specialty providers and organizations through learning sessions where behavioral health experts share best practices, tools and resources to optimize care for patients in Kentucky.
Primary care providers are often the first providers patients see when they are seeking care for behavioral health needs. Connection to community mental health centers (CMHC) and to specialists across the behavioral health continuum is vital for meeting patient needs.
Community of Practice participation is free and Mental Health First Aid training classes will be included on a first come, first served basis.
Objectives
UK’s Behavioral Health Community of Practice will:
- Increase the use of screening and targeted assessments to identify depression and anxiety disorders and other psychiatric conditions
- Provide evidence-based treatment guidelines, including cognitive therapy techniques, motivational interviewing and appropriate medications
- Explore community resources for patient support
- Enhance relationships among primary care, community mental health centers, specialists and inpatient providers
- Explore options for workforce optimization models
Funding and support provided by Kentucky Regional Extension Center and UK HealthCare’s Healthy Kentucky Initiative.
UK HealthCare's 2025 strategic plan provides a road map for achieving our vision: One community committed to creating a healthier Kentucky. We are committed to positively impacting our community and our Commonwealth by understanding and responding to health needs through engagement, outreach and collaboration.