April 10, 2026
MEDIA ALERT
WHAT: Behavioral health care remains largely disconnected from the rest of the healthcare system, especially in primary care, where most patients seek care.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and West Health are convening national leaders for an executive forum, Advancing Behavioral Health with Measurement-Informed Care, to address how the healthcare system can better deliver behavioral health care where patients already receive it.
At the center of this convening, participants will examine real-world challenges to behavioral health integration and work together on a core set of behavioral health quality measures that will help guide policy, strengthen care delivery and develop practical implementation approaches.
This forum will bring together payers, policymakers, health system leaders and clinicians to identify opportunities to improve access, align incentives and support scalable solutions in primary care.
WHY: Nearly 59 million U.S. adults experience mental illness each year; however, half do not receive treatment. As demand grows, primary care has become a critical access point, while providers, payers and policymakers face increasing pressure to improve access and quality.
NCQA and West Health bring complementary strengths and experience in measurement and real-world implementation to this challenge, creating a unique space for candid dialogue and meaningful peer exchange on what successful integration looks like in practice.
This forum is designed to surface practical, scalable approaches—with a focus on how measurement, payment and policy can better support behavioral health care delivery in primary care.
WHEN:  Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. PT
WHERE: Alila Marea Beach Resort, 2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
WHO: The forum will feature industry leader discussions on behavioral healthcare integration into primary care, overcoming implementation barriers, ensuring quality measurement and examining payment strategies.
SPEAKERS:
- Vivek Garg, MD, CEO and President, NCQA
- Zia Agha, MD, Chief Medical Officer, West Health Institute
- Katie Doyle, MSN, RN, Vice President, Operations, Northwestern Medicine
- Dolly Goel, MD, Chief Clinical Officer- Population Health and Managed Care, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
- Ed Yu, MD, FAAFP, CPE, Chief Medical Officer, Population Health Clinical Integration, Sutter Health
- Abbie Totten, BA, Plan President, Molina Healthcare of California
INTERVIEWS: Credentialed reporters interested in attending the forum should contact SHIFT Communications at NCQA@shiftcomm.com.
