Outlining the scope of behavioral health practice in integrated primary care: Dispelling the myth of the one-trick mental health pony.

Many mental health practitioners who are interested in primary care may not know how to get involved. Integrated Primary Care (IPC) is a model that normalizes mental and behavioral health issues in primary care with the goal of improved health outcomes; it shows promise for addressing mental health care disparities. Recognizing that mental and physical health problems are interwoven, utilizing the primary care system of medical health delivery offers an opportunity for patients to have greater access to behavioral services. Recent movements have increased the demand for integration of physical and behavioral health. This article reviews research on access issues, adherence, and the effectiveness of IPC with particular attention to newer studies and those examining culturally diverse groups. Finally, it offers suggestions for counselors seeking to integrate their practice with the primary care setting in a culturally sensitive way.

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Perspectives of Behavioral Health Clinicians in a Rural Integrated Primary Care/Mental Health Program

The Journal of Rural Health ◽

10.1111/jrh.12114 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 346-353 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Dallas Williams ◽

Jessica Eckstrom ◽

Marc Avery ◽

Jürgen Unützer

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Behavioral Health ◽

Health Program ◽

Mental Health Program ◽

Integrated Primary Care ◽

Primary Care Mental Health

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Integrated primary care: patient perceptions and the role of mental health stigma

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423618000403 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Lisa R. Miller-Matero ◽

Shehryar Khan ◽

Rachel Thiem ◽

Tiffany DeHondt ◽

Hala Dubaybo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Behavioral Health ◽

Primary Care Patient ◽

Care Patient ◽

Integrated Primary Care ◽

Health Clinic ◽

Mental Health Stigma ◽

Primary Care Patients

Abstract Some patients are more willing to see a behavioral health provider within primary care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients’ perspectives of having access to a psychologist within primary care and to investigate whether mental health stigma affected preferences. In total, 36 patients completed questionnaires after seeing a psychologist in primary care. Patients were satisfied with having a primary care psychologist involved in their care. Most patients were more likely to see the psychologist in primary care and those who preferred this indicated higher levels of mental health stigma. The overarching theme for why patients saw a psychologist in primary care was convenience. Mental health stigma may also have played a role. Results suggest that providing integrated services may reach patients who may not have otherwise sought services in a behavioral health clinic. Findings from this study encourage the continued integration of behavioral health services.

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