Mental Health in Primary Care
Mental Health Integration at UVM Health
Your mental health is as important to your health and well-being as your blood pressure, cholesterol or other common measures of your physical health. At University of Vermont Health, we integrate mental health care into our primary care practices to treat common mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Your primary care provider can treat these conditions, but in some cases you may benefit from the support of a mental health clinician. To access Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCHMI) services, please seek a referral from your primary care provider.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Why Choose UVM Health?
We offer:
- Team-based approach: Each primary care practice is staffed by a psychiatrist and a mental health professional (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT). Our Collaborative Care Mental Health Clinicians (CCMHCs) work with you and your primary care team to evaluate and support your mental health needs.
Meet Your Team
Our PCMHI practices are staffed with a collaborative care mental health team to support your mental health needs.
You are the most important person on your mental health care team. You will get the best care if you are open with your primary care provider and tell them what is working for you and what is not. Ask questions about your care, share your concerns and work with your care team to track your progress. If you take medication, know what it is and take it as prescribed.
Your primary care provider oversees all aspects of your health care, working closely with the other members of your mental health care team to make sure you get the best care possible. Your primary care provider works closely with your mental health clinician to stay informed about your treatment progress and may consult with the team’s psychiatrist if there are questions about your treatment. Your primary care provider will also make and/or confirm a diagnosis and may write or refill prescriptions for medications when recommended.
The Psychiatric Consultant (Psychiatrist or APRN) partners with other members of the care team to help with diagnostic questions or medication options, especially if you don’t improve with your initial treatment. With your permission and when recommended, the psychiatric consultant may meet with you directly.
The Collaborative Care Psychiatric Provider (Time limited; Psychiatrist or APRN) may meet with you to assess your medications, make adjustments and help stabilize your care before returning your care to your primary care provider.
The mental health clinician (LCSW/LCMHC/LMFT) works closely with you, your primary care provider (PCP) and other members of the mental health team to support your emotional wellbeing. They may provide brief evidence-based therapy or refer you to other helpful services when needed. They will check in with you and other members of the care team to keep track of your progress and will work with you and your PCP if changes to your treatment are recommended.
They may offer:
- Brief, goal-focused therapy for concerns such as anxiety and depression
- Screening and monitoring to understand the impact of your symptoms on your day-to-day life
- Address concerns and strategies to help you follow your treatment plan
- Identify community resources and future strategies to support your ongoing wellbeing
Patient Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text or chat. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you.
- Crisis Text Line: Free 24/7 confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text: HOME to 741741.
- Trevor Project: Trained counselors understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face. 100% confidential and free phone, text or web-based chat. Text: ‘START’ to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs offer free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255.
Vermont
- Local Crisis Centers:
- Addison County: 802-388-7641
- Bennington County: 802-442-5491
- Chittenden County First Call: 802-488-7777
- Franklin County: 802-524-6544
- Lamoille County: 802-888-5026
- Northeast Kingdom: (Derby) 802-334-6744 (St. Johnsbury) 802-748-3181
- Orange County: 1-800-639-6360
- Rutland County: 802-775-1000
- Washington County: 802-229-0591
- Mental Health Urgent Care: Provides a therapeutic alternative to emergency department visits for adults experiencing a self-defined mental health crisis.
- Washington County Mental Health Services: We serve all individuals and families coping with the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health and substance use.
- Connecting Cultures: In response to the mental health needs of Vermont’s expanding community of refugees, Connecting Cultures was established in 2007 to serve refugees and survivors of torture. Call 802-656-3131.
- HopeWorks: Dedicated to ending all forms of sexual violence. Call 802-863-1236.
- Howard Center – First Call for Chittenden County: When you call First Call, you can expect phone support, crisis intervention and assessment, referrals to appropriate services, and connection to follow-up care.
- Vermont 211 - United Way: Explore the Vermont211 database to connect you to essential resources such as, housing, food assistance, health care and crisis support.
- Interlude - Mental Health Crisis Alternative for Adults: Interlude is a voluntary, home-like, trauma-sensitive space that includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom, private comfort relaxation room, and a space for music, movement and more.
- The Access Hub: Responds holistically to a wide range of mental health needs including peer counseling, mental health care, nursing care and referrals.
- The Front Porch: Welcomes adults and families who are experiencing a mental health situation and seeking immediate care. Walk in, day or night, and be seen by a mental health professional.
New York
- Crisis Services – Essex County Mental Health: If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harm to self or others, or are hearing voices telling you to do something harmful or dangerous to yourself, please contact us.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York: NAMI - New York provides information, resources and someone to listen and provide support.
- New York’s Mental Health Crisis Lines: Explore available resources by county.
- New York 211 - United Way: 211 New York connects New Yorkers to local resources and services, including food, housing, health care and crisis support.
- UVM Health Addiction Treatment Center: At UVM Health, we work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that will make it faster and easier for you to make a lasting recovery.
- UVM Health Support Groups: We offer support groups and educational classes to help you connect with others with similar interests and needs.
MyChart
MyChart is your personalized patient portal. Through MyChart, you can communicate with your health care team, request appointments, view test results, request prescription renewals, pay your bill and more.
Locations near you
44 Collins Drive
Middlebury, VT 05753-8502
87 Paine Mountain Drive
Northfield, VT 05663-5791
18 Community Center
Wilmington, NY 12997
156 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
246 Granger Road
Suite 1
Berlin, VT 05602-5352
1 South Prospect Street
Level 3
Burlington, VT 05401-5505
353 Blair Park Road
Williston, VT 05495-7530
10 North Street
Vergennes, VT 05491-1107
6097 NYS Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993-2308
39 Farrell Road
Willsboro, NY 12996-3904
