Spotlight: Dr. Nathan B. Beraha of Anchor Medical Associates on pediatric integrated behavioral health

As CTC-RI recently wrapped up its pediatric integrated behavioral health (IBH) initiative, we connected with one practice leader, Nathan B. Beraha, MD, of Anchor Medical Associates in Lincoln, to hear more about his team's experience with pediatric IBH.

How did your participation in the Pediatric IBH project impact the team and patients at Anchor Medical Associates?

Participation in the integrated behavioral health project helped us in many ways. First, it gave our providers easy access to behavioral health resources which were scarce in the community. Second, it provided an in-house resource for a broad, comprehensive view of community agencies able to help our patients. 

What new adjustments or changes have been the most surprising, challenging, or helpful in advancing your IBH work?

The biggest challenge has been filling the integrated behavioral health clinician position, and the most surprising was the strong, positive reaction from our patients that we had such a resource. 

What advice would you give to other pediatric practices interested in exploring/introducing IBH?

We have developed a model which only expects us to cover some of the costs of integrated behavioral health, with an incentive system that supports additional bonus funds for the clinician if this expectation is exceeded.