The Integrated Care Podcast

Hosts of the Integrated Care Podcast (CFHA)—Grace Pratt with co-hosts Bridgette Beachy, Ashley Garrison, Jen Thomas, and Monica Williams—discuss how “policy is practice and practice is policy,” emphasizing resisting all-or-nothing thinking and recognizing that change is a long game. They share personal entry points into policy engagement, including Medicaid expansion advocacy, and preview CFHA learning resources and the October 8–10, 2026 CFHA conference in St. Louis. The conversation focuses on recent federal shifts affecting clinical work, including vaccine guidance moving several childhood vaccines to shared clinical decision-making and the resulting impact on primary care conversations, trust, insurance, and schools. They also discuss updated dietary messaging, with Ashley explaining a protein-and-vegetable-forward approach, practical strategies for families, and how integrated care teams support patient-centered decisions amid misinformation and clinician strain.

Hosts Grace Pratt, Monica Harrison, Bridget, Neftali Serrano, and late-arriving co-host Jen Thomas introduce themselves on the Integrated Care Podcast and share CFHA updates, including the virtual spring conference (May 6–7) and a call for proposals for the October fall conference in St. Louis, plus cohort-based trainings on cfha.net. The group workshops a planned fall mini-summit prompted by Naftali’s concern that government momentum for behavioral health integration is waning while cost pressures, health tech fragmentation, and changes to primary care accelerate. They discuss the need for a unified message centered on team-based care, the operational barriers within health systems, and gaps between clinical progress, organizational change, and policy influence, emphasizing relationship-building with administrators and policymakers so integrated care is included in future payment models and legislation.

Dr. Patti Robinson, at the 2025 CFHA: The Integrated Care Association annual conference, introduces the E-GATHER Reflection and Learning Tool, an evolution of the “gather” tool developed from training health improvement practitioners (BHCs) in New Zealand. The tool is designed to reduce overwhelm in the first three months of a new BHC role, bring an equity lens “up front,” and support supervision and professional development when qualified supervisors and protected time are limited. The talk reviews barriers to successful supervision in integrated behavioral health (supervisor shortages, time constraints, staffing shortages, mixed interprofessional cultures, and inconsistent clinic workflows) and highlights conditions that improve supervision (regular meetings, protected time and space, flexibility, shared purpose, and two-way feedback). A pilot in Los Angeles with BHCs transitioning from co-located care to PCBH and new, unlicensed social work associates used E-GATHER in both individual and group supervision. Reported outcomes included rapid gains in self-ratings, increased visits per day, fewer follow-ups per unique patient, higher role satisfaction, faster onboarding of new BHCs, stronger peer support, and increased interest in further skills training (e.g., FACT/Four Square, CBT, psychoeducation). Feedback emphasized that E-GATHER made supervision more structured and productive, while suggested improvements included fewer interruptions during meetings, more role plays, and supplemental trainings/webinars.

In this episode of the Integrated Care podcast from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, hosted by Grace Pratt, the team explores the complexities and rewards of implementing integrated care, especially in pediatric settings. Michelle Shrek from Children's Wisconsin shares her journey of integrating behavioral health into a pediatric practice, including the structural, operational, and cultural challenges encountered. The conversation delves into the importance of appropriate provider-to-patient ratios, earning trust within a medical team, and the unique aspects of working in pediatrics. The team also welcomes a new member, Ashley Garrison, a pediatric dietician, who shares her insights on the importance of diet and nutrition in holistic care. The episode concludes with a reflective poem on parenting and children's independence. This episode offers a realistic yet hopeful look at the path to successful integrated care, emphasizing the importance of relationships, organizational readiness, and passion for the work. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

In this episode, Neftali Serrano, CEO of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, and Bridget Beachy, Director of Behavioral Health at Primary Care Behavioral Health in Washington, come together to discuss the evolving landscape of integrated care. They reflect on the complexities faced by healthcare providers in 2025, such as training challenges, political and economic stressors, and the moral injury of caring for diverse patient populations amidst an uncertain environment. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing relational and procedural elements in integrated care and highlights the need for innovation and leveling up practices to better serve communities. Upcoming events, recent developments, and future prospects in the field are also discussed, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state and future of integrated healthcare.

Welcome back to the Conference Series! This podcast, a presentation at the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association 2025 conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, explores the intersection of behavioral healthcare in primary care settings through two Integrated Care models: the collaborative care model (CoCM) and the primary care behavioral health model (PCBH). CoCM utilizes a structured interdisciplinary approach to deliver evidence based behavioral interventions alongside medication recommendation and management. PCBH adopts an integrated care approach, embedding behavioral health consultants within the primary care setting, making it easier for patients to receive holistic treatment. We will discuss key components, patient outcomes, collaboration, techniques, and lessons learned in an academic family medicine clinic.

In this episode of the Integrated Care Podcast from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, production editor Grace Pratt and her team of experts discuss the integral role of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Despite challenges and misconceptions from healthcare administrators, the team emphasizes that behavioral health is a core function of primary care. Key themes include the importance of gratitude, organizational challenges, slot utilization pressures, and the need for a shared mental model to improve healthcare outcomes. Special segments feature discussions on leadership competencies, mental health integration, and empirical approaches to healthcare administration.

Welcome to the Conference Series! This podcast offers listeners an exclusive look into the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association’s annual conference, spotlighting the integration of comprehensive addiction medicine within rural primary care settings. This presentation provides a description of the creation, implementation and treatment model of the Comprehensive Addiction Medicine program within the MaineHealth system. Many thanks to the presenters, Tammy Hand, LCSW, Alyson Poland, LCSW and Stacey Ouellette, LCSW. Join us as we share real-world experiences, challenges, and success stories from the front lines of rural healthcare. Whether you’re a clinician, community advocate, or simply passionate about innovative approaches to addiction care, this podcast provides valuable insights and practical strategies to inspire and inform your work. Tune in for expert perspectives and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how rural communities are transforming addiction medicine—one patient, one practice, and one community at a time.

Join Grace Pratt and the co-hosts of the Integrated Care Podcast as they reflect on the vibrant experiences from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association's recent Integrated Care Conference. In this episode, they discuss the joy of integrated care, share personal anecdotes, and highlight key presentations on various topics such as clinician stance, sleep research, health equity, and engaging entire healthcare teams. Tune in to hear about the impactful work being done in the field and get inspired by the community's passion and dedication to advancing integrated care.

Join Grace Pratt and the team on this insightful episode of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association Integrated Care Podcast, where they delve into the nuances of reflective practice within the fast-paced world of healthcare. Featuring special guest Dr. Jeff Ring, the episode explores how intentional reflection can foster connection, improve practice, and support wellness among healthcare professionals. With contributions from Monica Harrison, Jen Thomas, and Nift Serrano, the discussion provides practical tips to incorporate reflective practices in day-to-day clinical work, balancing the demands of productivity with meaningful patient care and professional growth. Don't miss this enriching conversation on the integration of reflective practice in modern medicine.

Ep. #87 - Managing Challenging Patients in Primary Care by Collaborative Family Healthcare Association

In this episode of the Integrated Care podcast by the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, the hosts discuss the importance of risk-taking in career development. They explore personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming structural barriers to amplify diverse voices within healthcare. Key topics include the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and the role of community in fostering career growth for underrepresented groups. The episode also touches on the unique challenges faced by women and people of color in leadership roles and the significance of developing specific skills to succeed.

In this episode of the Integrated Care Podcast from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, host Grace Pratt delves into the complex issue of burnout in the healthcare system. Joined by co-hosts Neftali Serrano and Jen Thomas, the conversation touches on the systemic and personal factors contributing to burnout, the importance of advocacy, and the need for focusing on meaning and purpose. The episode includes personal stories, reflections on the current state of healthcare, and practical advice on how to stay resilient and connected despite challenging times.

In this episode of the Integrated Care Podcast, hosted by Grace Pratt, join the conversation with co-hosts Bridget Beachy and Jen Thomas as they delve into the importance of prioritizing wellness in integrated care. The discussion covers key strategies for promoting healthy habits and behaviors, the value of understanding patients' day-to-day lives, and the significance of motivational interviewing techniques. Tune in to hear their insights on making meaningful connections with patients and fostering a holistic approach to healthcare.

In this episode of the Integrated Care Podcast from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, host Grace Pratt leads a discussion with co-hosts Jen Thomas, Bridget Beachy, and Neftali Serrano about the impact of different models of integrated care, notably Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) and the Collaborative Care Model (COCM). The conversation dives into the history, practical application, and the ongoing debates surrounding these models. It emphasizes the importance of team-based care and understanding the context in which these models are implemented. They discuss the significance of balancing evidence-based practices with real-world application and the need for collaboration in the healthcare industry. Join the team as they share insights, challenges, and the future direction of integrated care

In this episode of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) podcast, production editor Grace Pratt and co-hosts Neftali Serrano, Jen Thomas, and Bridgette D. discuss the challenges and opportunities for healthcare providers in 2025. They delve into how to navigate uncertainty, the importance of community, and finding pockets of joy amidst adversity. Key highlights include Neftali's leadership insights, Jen's work with the Illinois Psychiatric Society on integrated care, and Bridgette's efforts in primary care behavioral health. The podcast also features a powerful poem by Lauren Brantz, 'Inauguration 2025,' emphasizing love, faith, and community as acts of resistance in challenging times. Tune in for a blend of optimism and practical steps to make positive changes in healthcare this year.

Join the team from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) as they reflect on the past year, share their biggest learnings, and discuss their hopes for the future. In this reflective episode, co-hosts Grace, Monica, Bridget, Jen, and Neftali discuss creative problem-solving amidst obstacles, personal and professional growth, and important lessons learned. They also share exciting plans for 2025 and explore the importance of measurement in healthcare, the joy of new professional connections, and the value of being unapologetically authentic. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on integrated care and more.

In this insightful episode of the Integrated Care Podcast by the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, production editor Grace Pratt and co-host Neftali Serrano are joined by guests Monica Harrison, Ben Hilliard, and Dr. Denise Toshack to discuss the intersection of education and mental health. The conversation dives into personal experiences with the education system, the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities and mental health issues, and the vital role of collaborative care models in schools. Discover how integrating healthcare and educational systems can foster better outcomes for children, address systemic barriers, and alleviate the burdens on families. Tune in to learn about the potential of innovative approaches and the importance of cooperation between pediatrics, behavioral health, educators, and families.

Join Grace Pratt and fellow experts at the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association's Integrated Care Podcast, live from the San Antonio conference. This episode explores the importance of human connection in integrated care, reflections on cultural sensitivity, and the profound impact of this loving professional community. The team shares icebreakers, highlights key moments from the conference, and discusses the excitement of networking, learning, and bringing the spirit of integrated care back to their practices. Special moments include a discussion on the challenges and rewards of integrating medical and behavioral health, and the importance of seeing and valuing each individual patient.