Frequently Asked Questions

The Northwestern Medicine West Health Accelerator is a multi-year collaboration between Northwestern Medicine, West Health and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, aimed at transforming mental health care by making it a core part of primary care. Guided by an advisory board of experts, the Accelerator employs the Collaborative Care Model to seamlessly embed mental health services within primary care, where patients already seek trusted care. At Northwestern Medicine, experts are evaluating and enhancing the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program. Insights from these efforts will inform the development of practical tools, training materials, and best practices for broader implementation. 

If you are a provider, policymaker or media personnel, please submit a contact inquiry here. If you are a patient looking for more information on collaborative care, please contact your provider for more information. If you require emergency medical or mental health attention, please call 911 to access your local emergency services. 

The Collaborative Care Model is a team-based approach to addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. It involves three key specialists working together to treat and monitor a patient’s progress. This approach is patient-centered, population-based, accountable and evidence-based, and measures treatment outcomes using validated methods. Collaborative care is reimbursed by most insurance programs including commercial, Medicaid and Medicare.

To provide comprehensive and easily accessible mental health care, the team is equipped with a behavioral health care manager, psychiatrist, and primary care provider. These experts provide a deep knowledge of mental health conditions and treatments and ensure the patient’s primary care clinic is supported in delivering treatment methods. The Collaborative Care Model was first developed by researchers at the AIMS Center at University of Washington in 2011. 

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The Collaborative Behavioral Health Program is Northwestern Medicine's implementation of the nationally recognized Collaborative Care Model. Patients typically qualify for the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program based on symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety or depression. If a patient meets the criteria, their primary care physician will explain the program and offer enrollment. Interested patients can then be referred to the program. If you're a patient seeking support through this model, talk to your provider about participating in the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program.

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Collaborative care services are reimbursed by Medicare, more than half of Illinois Medicaid agencies, and most private payers. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and cost.