Integrated care can be a daunting environment for mental health providers. Even experienced clinicians may feel uncertain about their role in integrated care settings, and the precise nature of their responsibilities toward other care providers and patients.

This concise volume, “Integrated Primary Care: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals” by Anne C. Dobmeyer PhD ABPP, aims to provide an overview of integrated primary care specifically tailored to mental health professionals. In clear, straightforward language, it describes the benefits and key components of integrated care, with a special emphasis on the Primary Care Behavioral Health model of service delivery.

The book starts by guiding the readers through the competencies developed by the American Psychological Association and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that are relevant to integrated care. It then dives into the practical aspects of working in an integrated primary care setting, teaching mental health professionals how to effectively collaborate within a larger team to treat a wide range of chronic medical conditions, behavioral health disorders, sub-clinical problems, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors commonly seen in primary care patients.

One of the core strengths of “Integrated Primary Care” is its focus on the Primary Care Behavioral Health model. This model emphasizes the integration of mental health care within primary care and recognizes the interplay between physical and mental health. By implementing this model, mental health professionals can work alongside primary care providers to address both the physical and mental health needs of patients, resulting in more comprehensive and integrated care.

The author, Anne C. Dobmeyer PhD ABPP, is a highly experienced clinician and professor in the field of integrated primary care. With her expertise and extensive background, she is able to provide practical guidance and actionable advice in the book. She draws on her own experiences, as well as the latest research and evidence-based practices in the field, to equip mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an integrated care setting.

What sets “Integrated Primary Care” apart is its focus on the unique role of mental health professionals in integrated care. The book not only covers the fundamentals of integrated care, but also explores the specific responsibilities and opportunities that mental health professionals have in this setting. It provides guidance on how to collaborate effectively with other care providers, how to utilize standard resources like the Patient Health Questionnaire, and how to provide evidence-based interventions for patients with both physical and mental health concerns.

The content of the book is organized in a logical and easy-to-follow manner. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, allowing readers to gradually develop a comprehensive understanding of integrated primary care. The language used is accessible and jargon-free, making it suitable for mental health professionals new to this field.

As part of the “Clinical Health Psychology” series, “Integrated Primary Care” offers a comprehensive yet concise overview of practice in this specific area. The series aims to provide mental and behavioral health providers with a broad coverage of various topics, including integrated primary care, women’s reproductive health, cardiology, oncology, and pain. Each book in the series is designed to be a valuable resource for providers who are new to that particular field, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality care.

In conclusion, “Integrated Primary Care: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals” by Anne C. Dobmeyer PhD ABPP is a valuable resource for mental health professionals seeking to navigate the integrated care environment. It offers a comprehensive overview of integrated primary care, with a special focus on the Primary Care Behavioral Health model. Through practical guidance and actionable advice, mental health professionals can learn how to effectively collaborate within a larger team to treat a wide range of conditions commonly seen in primary care patients. By implementing the strategies and principles outlined in the book, mental health professionals can provide more comprehensive and integrated care, resulting in improved patient outcomes. So why wait? Order your copy of “Integrated Primary Care” today and take your practice to the next level!