Addressing Behavioral Health Needs in the Primary Care Setting: The Behavioral Health Consultant Model

Speakers

John M. Custer, LCSW; Sharon E. Smith, LPC

ABSTRACT

With an estimated 40% of all premature mortalities being attributed to behavior, there is a clear unmet need in the primary care setting.  As such, Kaiser Permanente Northwest developed a Behavioral Health Consultant model, enabling them to address mental health and substance abuse issues in a patient's primary care medical home. This session will cover the current state, successes, challenges, and lessons learned from implementation.