Primary care represents the "front entryway" into the healthcare system. Primary care, family medicine, and pediatric teams are tasked with not only caring for the medical needs of their patients but with identifying and addressing the mental health needs of their patients as well. Embedding evidence-based mental health interventions within the primary care environment represents a unique opportunity to promote overall health in a less stigmatized environment, with opportunities for earlier intervention and improved outcomes. Considerable variability exists across primary care clinics in terms of populations served, patterns of medical and psychiatric conditions and comorbidities, internal and community-based mental health resources, and barriers to care. Even with minimal resources, strategic investments can be made in designing, implementing, and evaluating integrated programs within primary care. A growing evidence base also exists for brief, single-session mental health interventions that can be delivered right at the point of care. Quality improvement skills can increase the ability of teams to translate researched approaches into practice and make sure they deliver on their promise. IBH teams of social workers, psychologists, nurses, and psychiatric prescribers all bring a unique skill set that can deliver highly targeted interventions to help serve the entire primary care population in a resource-efficient manner.

This course is designed for the many disciplines and providers involved in primary care integrated behavioral health, including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, primary care, pharmacists, and pediatrics. The content is relevant to physicians, advanced practice providers, desk staff, and schedulers.

Live and livestream offered.

Prices:

MD, DO, PhD Registration: USD 699.00,

Allied Health, NP, PA, Social Worker, Retiree Registration: USD 599.00

Speakers: Course Directors: Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P. and Mark D. Williams, M.D.