Integrated Health Care Policy and Services

This course will examine the integration of policies, financing, organization and delivery of physical health and behavioral health (mental health and substance abuse) care services and programs for adults, youth and children. The primary focus of study will be the U.S. health care system, with international comparisons, including promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services in primary care, acute care, chronic care, and long-term care settings.  The evolution of the integration of primary care and behavioral health care services will constitute the focus of our policy analysis. Historical and contemporary policy issues and trends, including ethical dilemmas, controversies, marginalized and stigmatized populations, social movements and the role of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) as they affect access to care and health care quality will be discussed. Strategies for influencing policies and programs, inequities and disparities in care and the impact of key diversity dimensions such as ability, age, income, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion and spirituality on health care, will be examined. Opportunities for direct involvement by students in the political and organizational processes used to influence policy and delivery systems will be encouraged. The course reflects the values of the profession and focuses on the role of the social worker as "social policy practitioner" in promoting the maintenance or attainment of optimal physical and mental health, recovery and wellness and social and economic justice.