Integrating Mental Health with Primary Care

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. That’s why the UVM Health Network is working to integrate mental health care into all of our primary care practices. 

Mental health concerns are common, and many people suffer in silence from conditions like anxiety, depression, substance use disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases, your primary care provider can treat these conditions. In others, you may benefit from the support of a mental health specialist. 

Do You Have Concerns About Your Mental Health? 

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental or emotional health issue, please speak to your primary care provider. You may be able to receive care from mental health specialists available at your primary care office.

A Team-Based Approach to Mental Health Care

We take a team-based approach to health care. Each primary care practice will be staffed by a psychiatrist and a behavioral health care manager (a licensed clinical social worker) and/or psychologist. Our mental health professionals work hand-in-hand with you and your primary care team to evaluate and support your mental health needs. 

Meet Your Mental Health Care Team 

You

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 your behavioral health care manager 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. 

Primary Care Provider

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 behavioral health care manager to stay informed about your treatment progress, and may consult with the team’s psychiatrist if there are questions about your treatment. They also prescribe medications, if needed.

Behavioral Health Care Manager

The behavioral health care manager works closely with you, your primary care provider, and other members of the mental health team to support your emotional wellbeing. The behavioral health care manager may offer brief, goal-focused therapy for concerns such as anxiety and depression, provide screening and monitoring to understand the impact of your symptoms on your day to day life, and identify concerns and strategies to help you follow your treatment plan agreed by you and your primary care provider. The behavioral health care manager can also help you to identify community resources and future strategies to support your ongoing wellbeing.

Psychologist

The psychologist advises your primary care provider on appropriate diagnostic strategies. In some cases, this means providing psychotherapy sessions, particularly for mental health concerns that extend beyond the counseling and coaching offered by the behavioral health care manager. They also consult with the practice psychiatrist on medications and help to educate the primary care team about the latest developments in mental health care.

Psychiatrist

The psychiatrist is an expert consultant to your primary care provider and behavioral health care manager. They advise your care team on diagnostic questions and treatment options, especially if you don’t improve with your initial treatment. They may also meet with you in person or via telemedicine to inform your care