By Dr. Kerry L. Shipman, CEO, TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services
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If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available immediately:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- NC Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- TSG Crisis Support: Contact us at tsgbh.com for immediate assistance
Starting a new year often brings reflection on our health and well-being. If you're considering care for the first time or looking to improve your current plan, 2026 is an excellent time to explore integrated health and integrated mental health services, including convenient telehealth in North Carolina. North Carolina mental health services through TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services and other providers offer numerous options, but finding the right fit requires understanding what integrated care means and how to evaluate your choices.
Understanding Integrated Mental Health Care
Integrated mental health care combines behavioral health services with primary medical care, creating a comprehensive approach to your overall wellness. In other words, integrated health recognizes that your emotional, psychological, and physical health are interconnected rather than treated in isolation.
This approach is particularly valuable because many people experience both physical and mental health challenges simultaneously. For instance, someone managing diabetes might also struggle with depression, or a person dealing with chronic pain could develop anxiety. Integrated care addresses these connections, leading to more effective treatment outcomes across North Carolina mental health services, both in-person and via telehealth.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Provider
Comprehensive Service Range
The best integrated mental health providers offer multiple services under one roof or through coordinated networks. Look for organizations that provide:
- Individual therapy and counseling
- Group therapy sessions
- Medication management
- Case management services
- Crisis intervention
- Family support programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Trauma-informed care
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Quality providers use treatments proven effective through research. In North Carolina, many integrated care practices follow the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), which involves a team-based approach with primary care providers, behavioral health care managers, and psychiatric consultants working together.
This model has shown significant success in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD through systematic screening, monitoring, and treatment coordination.
Cultural Competency and Specialized Populations
Consider whether the provider has experience serving your specific community or population. This is especially important for:
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Veterans and military families
- Justice-involved individuals
- Rural communities
- Specific ethnic or cultural groups
- Children and adolescents
- Older adults
The Power of Telehealth Convenience
The expansion of telehealth services has revolutionized access to North Carolina mental health services, particularly important as we move into 2026. When evaluating providers, consider their telehealth capabilities for virtual therapy, medication management, and integrated health follow-ups:
Accessibility Benefits
Telehealth removes traditional barriers to care:
- Eliminates transportation challenges
- Reduces time away from work or family
- Provides access for rural communities
- Offers flexibility for individuals with mobility issues
- Allows continuity of care during illness or weather events
Quality of Virtual Services
Not all telehealth programs are created equal. Look for providers who offer:
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms
- High-quality video and audio capabilities
- Technical support for patients
- Hybrid models combining in-person and virtual care
- Emergency protocols for virtual sessions
TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services offers robust telehealth options across North Carolina that maintain the same quality standards as in-person care, ensuring you receive comprehensive support for mental health, substance use, and integrated health needs regardless of your location or circumstances.
Social Support Integration
Mental health recovery thrives in environments with strong social support systems. The most effective integrated care providers recognize this and incorporate social support into their treatment approaches.
Family and Community Involvement
Look for providers who:
- Include family members in treatment planning when appropriate
- Offer family education and support groups
- Connect patients with community resources
- Provide peer support opportunities
- Maintain relationships with local organizations
Peer Support Programs
Peer support specialists: individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges: offer unique value in the recovery process. They provide hope, practical guidance, and understanding that complements professional clinical services.
Quality integrated care programs often include peer support as a core component, not an afterthought.
Evaluating Provider Credentials and Quality
Licensing and Accreditation
Ensure your chosen provider meets all state licensing requirements and maintains relevant accreditations. In North Carolina, look for:
- Proper state licensing for all clinical staff
- Accreditation from recognized organizations
- Participation in quality improvement initiatives
- Transparent reporting of outcomes and patient satisfaction
Team Qualifications
Integrated care requires a diverse team of professionals. Quality providers should have:
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Licensed professional counselors
- Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Case managers
- Peer support specialists
- Primary care providers (in fully integrated settings)
Financial Considerations and Insurance
Understanding the financial aspects of integrated mental health care helps ensure sustainable access to services.
Insurance Coverage
Most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, now cover integrated mental health services. When evaluating providers:
- Confirm they accept your insurance
- Understand your copayment responsibilities
- Ask about sliding scale fees for uninsured individuals
- Inquire about payment plans for services not covered by insurance
Value-Based Care Models
Some integrated care providers participate in value-based payment models that focus on outcomes rather than volume of services. These models often result in more coordinated, efficient care.
Geographic and Accessibility Factors
North Carolina's diverse geography presents unique challenges and opportunities for mental health care access.
Rural Considerations
If you live in a rural area, prioritize providers who:
- Offer robust telehealth services
- Have mobile outreach programs
- Maintain partnerships with local healthcare providers
- Understand rural culture and challenges
Urban Access
Urban areas typically offer more provider choices but may have longer wait times. Consider:
- Provider availability and wait times for appointments
- Public transportation access
- Parking availability
- Evening and weekend appointment options
TSG's Approach to Integrated Care
TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services exemplifies comprehensive integrated mental health care and integrated health in North Carolina, including in-person and telehealth services. Our approach includes:
Whole-Person Care: We address mental health within the context of your overall health and life circumstances, recognizing that effective treatment must consider all aspects of your well-being.
Coordinated Team Approach: Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure all aspects of your care are aligned and reinforcing each other.
Telehealth Excellence: We've invested in state-of-the-art technology and training to deliver high-quality virtual care for North Carolina mental health services that meets the same standards as our in-person services.
Community Integration: We maintain strong partnerships throughout North Carolina, ensuring you have access to comprehensive support networks and resources.
Culturally Informed Care: Our team is trained to provide respectful, effective care for diverse populations, including specialized programs for underserved communities.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
As you begin or continue your mental health journey in 2026, consider these practical steps:
- Assess Your Needs: Identify your specific challenges, goals, and preferences for care delivery
- Research Options: Use resources like NC AHEC's practice locator to find integrated care providers in your area
- Verify Insurance Coverage: Contact both your insurance provider and potential care providers to understand coverage
- Schedule Consultations: Many providers offer initial consultations to help you determine fit
- Ask Questions: Inquire about treatment approaches, team composition, telehealth options, and social support integration
The Road Ahead
Choosing integrated mental health care represents an investment in your overall well-being and future. The comprehensive approach offered by quality providers like TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services can help address not just immediate mental health concerns but also build long-term resilience and wellness.
As North Carolina continues to expand access to integrated mental health services, individuals have more options than ever before. By understanding what to look for and how to evaluate your choices, you can find the right provider to support your journey toward improved mental health and overall wellness.
Remember that seeking mental health care is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're taking this step for the first time or looking to improve your current care, integrated mental health services and integrated health support can provide the comprehensive care you need to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
For more information about TSG's North Carolina mental health services, including integrated health and telehealth options, visit tsgbh.com or contact us to discuss how we can support your goals this year.
— Dr. Kerry L. Shipman, CEO, TSG Behavioral Health & Community Services
