Historically, mental health care and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment have operated in separate silos. Patients often had to navigate multiple systems, addressing one condition at a time. For decades, clinicians were guided by the notion that patients should achieve sobriety before treating mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. However, emerging research highlights the limitations of this approach, showing that Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care—treating mental health conditions and addiction simultaneously—leads to better outcomes, faster recovery, and longer-term success.
Recognizing the importance of holistic care, Allina Health, a nonprofit health system based in Minneapolis, is pioneering a new model with its Center for Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care. The center is designed to break down barriers between mental health and addiction services and provide patients with comprehensive, coordinated care for multiple behavioral health conditions in one location. Brian Palmer, vice president of mental health and addiction services at Allina Health, emphasized, “We know that if we treat mental illness and addiction simultaneously, we help both get better faster, and [patients] have a longer-term recovery.”
The New Center in Fridley: A Hub for Coordinated Care
The new facility will be located in Fridley, Minnesota, attached to Allina Health’s Mercy Hospital. Covering 50,000 square feet, the center will offer a range of services, including outpatient care and intensive day programs. By co-locating mental health and addiction services, patients can access the care they need without the burden of navigating multiple facilities. The project is supported by Allina Health’s philanthropy team, reflecting a commitment to improving behavioral health services for the communities they serve.
Palmer explained that the traditional “siloed” approach to care often leaves patients struggling to manage both mental health and addiction issues at the same time. “For a long time, unfortunately, we were taught that we can help your depression once you’ve established sobriety, and things like that, which we know clinically is not the best care,” he said. The new integrated model recognizes that mental health and addiction are closely linked, and addressing both concurrently through Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care can improve outcomes for patients while supporting their long-term recovery.
Partnerships and Collaborative Services
Allina Health’s center will operate using a partnership model, bringing together multiple organizations to provide comprehensive care under one roof. Canvas Health will offer mental health and addiction urgent care services, while Touchstone Mental Health will provide crisis beds on campus. This approach allows patients to access specialized services quickly and efficiently, reducing delays in care and ensuring that urgent needs are met without unnecessary barriers.
In addition to clinical services, the center will address social determinants of health, which play a critical role in recovery and overall well-being. Southern Anoka County Community Assistance will provide food support, while Anoka County Social Services will connect patients to other county programs. The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing will contribute by focusing on whole-person care, integrating physical health, mental wellness, and community support into the treatment model. By co-locating these resources, the center aims to simplify access for patients and create a more seamless path to recovery.
Palmer noted that navigating both health care and community resources can be challenging for patients. “Patients often struggle to navigate both the health care system and accessing community resources such as food pantries,” he said. Co-locating these services in one location not only improves convenience but also promotes a more holistic, patient-centered approach to care, making Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care a practical reality for those in need.
The Case for Integrated Care
Integrated care has both clinical and economic advantages. Treating mental health and addiction simultaneously is supported by research showing that patients recover more quickly and experience fewer relapses. Additionally, integrating community support services—such as food assistance, social programs, and wellness resources—addresses the root causes that often contribute to behavioral health challenges.
From a financial perspective, integration can help reduce overall health care costs. Palmer explained, “We spent a lot of time looking at the health economics, and if we assemble this type of care, could we reduce overall health care costs by improving the quality of the care we provide, and reducing the unnecessary and inappropriate use of health care resources that often happens when people don’t have access.” By creating a coordinated system, Allina Health hopes to optimize resources, improve care quality, and reduce inefficiencies, ultimately driving value for patients and the broader health care system. This approach demonstrates how Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care can improve both outcomes and sustainability in health care.
A Vision for the Future
Construction of the new facility began in 2023, with a projected opening in 2024. Lisa Shannon, president and CEO of Allina Health, emphasized the importance of expanding access to mental health and addiction services: “We know we do better when we work together, and this revolutionary facility provides critical programs in one location, transforming our ability to provide patient-centered care and expand our capacity for mental health and addiction patients and their families.”
Palmer also highlighted the broader vision for integrated care. “I think 10 years from now, we’re going to look back and say that we realized mental health was essential to driving population health and driving value in health care,” he said. By embedding social support services alongside clinical treatment, Allina Health is making Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care more accessible and effective than ever before.
Transforming Behavioral Health Care in Minnesota
With more than 90 clinics, 10 hospitals, and 15 retail pharmacies in its network, Allina Health is well-positioned to lead this shift in behavioral health care. The Center for Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care demonstrates a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered treatment. By integrating mental health care, SUD treatment, and community resources, Allina Health is creating a blueprint for more effective, efficient, and compassionate care—one that could transform the way behavioral health services are delivered across Minnesota and beyond.
As health care systems nationwide continue to recognize the benefits of integrated care, Allina Health’s approach may serve as a model for other organizations seeking to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and prioritize the holistic well-being of patients through Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care.
