Essentials for Treating Behavioral Health in Primary Care: A Guide for the Primary Care Provider

This is an Open Access Book. Primary care is the frontline of health care—and increasingly, the frontline of behavioral health. Yet many providers are expected to manage depression, anxiety, substance use, and other behavioral health concerns with limited training and even fewer resources. This groundbreaking Open Access guide changes that. Written specifically for primary care providers, it offers practical, evidence-based strategies to confidently assess and treat behavioral health conditions—whether or not there are dedicated behavioral health supports within the primary care practice. This resource is an excellent primer on behavioral health to be used within undergraduate and graduate medical education settings. Inside, you’ll discover how to: Understand and embrace your vital role in behavioral health care Apply evidence-based recommendations for assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns within primary care settings Maximize team-based approaches when integrated behavioral health is available Implement efficient, real-world strategies for patient care when behavioral health resources are limited or nonexistent