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Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner' Act Promotes Integrated Health Care

Sep 23, 2021

NASW is among 18 organizations that has endorsed the Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act (H.R. 5218), which will improve access to evidence-based mental health and substance use care by supporting and investing in the implementation of the Collaborative Care Model in primary care offices. In the Collaborative Care Model, a primary care physician, a psychiatric consultant, and behavioral health care manager, who is often a social worker, work as a team to identify and provide evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions, measure patients’ progress, and adjust care when appropriate. “NASW applauds Rep. Lizzie Fletcher and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler for introducing this critical legislation that promotes integrated health care,” said NASW President Mildred C. Joyner, DPS, MSW, BSW, LCSW. “Social workers regard mental health services as a critical component of holistic health care. The Collaborative Care Model is also essential as it addresses access barriers and will reduce disparities.” The model is supported by more than 90 research studies demonstrating its efficacy in improving patient outcomes.

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