Co-location of Mental Health Professionals in Primary Care Settings: Three North Carolina Models

The pressing need for identification and treatment of behavioral health disorders in primary care has renewed interest in the concept of co-located models of care. The purpose of this article is to describe three North Carolina practice models in which mental health professionals are co-located with pediatric primary care providers. Each of the models was sustainable, partly due to systemic changes brought about by advocacy efforts. In addition to providing practical guidance for possible replication in primary care, this article reflects on how advocacy efforts can impact the success of co-location models.