Let’s Integrate! The Case for Bringing Behavioral Health to Nursing Home–Based Post-Acute and Subacute Care

Behavioral health (BH) concerns are prevalent among residents (eg, depression, anxiety, and insomnia), family care partners (eg, depression and burden), and staff (eg, burnout and depression) in nursing home–based post-acute and subacute care, referred to as skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. When untreated, BH concerns can lead to negative care outcomes, including limited functional improvements, longer lengths of stay, and elevated risk of rehospitalization and mortality. Despite the high clinical need, the field lacks evidence and consensus regarding an optimal model of BH services and roles for BH clinicians in SNFs.