The American journal of psychiatry
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Our largely separate mental health system has developed in relationship to a health care system oriented toward specialization and solo practice. Now the health care system is moving in the direction of primary care and group and organizational practice. ⋯ Issues discussed include mutual roles, changes in services, the referral process, and provider relationships. The advantages of such integrated programs include decreased stigma, increased prevention through earlier detection and referral, increased family orientation, greater coordination of care, and less duplication.