Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, so we’re launching a new mental health program within our primary and specialty care clinics, designed to treat the whole person and provide comprehensive and accessible care. We’re building a system that ensures the right level of care is available when needed, helping address behavioral health issues quickly and efficiently.
Chronic physical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain often increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Sometimes physical conditions and medications can mimic and exacerbate mental health symptoms. At the same time, untreated mental health issues can worsen physical outcomes by affecting things like inflammation, energy, nutrition, and treatment adherence. This two-way relationship is well-supported by research in mind-body medicine and integrated care.
Comprehensive Proactive Care For the Body and Mind I lead our team of behavioral health care managers embedded into the primary care clinics. Our mission is to improve outcomes and continuity of care by meeting members where they are – within a trusted, established health care team. There is a strong body of evidence supporting the integration of behavioral health into primary care, particularly through the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM). Studies have shown that CoCM leads to twice the improvement in depression and anxiety outcomes compared to usual care, while also improving adherence to medical treatment and reducing overall healthcare costs.
We focus on proactive, results-driven care. By screening and treating mental health issues early, we can prevent symptoms from worsening, keeping our members healthier. The CoCM model allows for the stabilization of common mental health conditions—like anxiety, depression, life adjustment and trauma-related issues, and substance use disorders—by fostering collaboration between the treating primary care providers, behavioral health care managers, and a consulting psychiatrist. By addressing mental health concerns within the primary care setting, we reduce stigma and increase member engagement. As Harbor Health’s in-house consulting psychiatrist, I will also be available to guide more complex cases or treatment escalations, and we will utilize community partners for specialized needs.
Plans for Growth Ultimately, we plan on expanding our mental health care capabilities by offering in-house, ongoing psychiatric and psychotherapy services. This will ensure members with complex or chronic conditions receive the long-term support they need. We believe the integration of behavioral health into primary care leads to better outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and higher member satisfaction. By treating both physical and mental health conditions together, we create a seamless experience that improves overall well-being. Contact us at 855-481-8375 or click here to make an appointment with one of our primary care clinicians and start your health journey with us.
*Availability of mental health services may vary by clinic location. Some services described above are part of our ongoing program development and may not be available at all locations.
