Primary Care Clinicians Evaluate Integrated and Referral Models of Behavioral Health Care For Older Adults: Results From a Multisite Effectiveness Trial (PRISM-E)
Ann Fam Med Gallo et al.
2: 305
The Article in Brief
A recent study compared 2 approaches for treating older adults for depression and other mental health problems. In one approach (called "integrated care"), a mental health or substance abuse specialist was located in the same practice as the patient's primary care doctor. In the other approach (called "referral care"), patients were referred to a separate mental health or substance abuse clinic, with transportation and case management provided. Most primary care doctors in the study preferred the integrated care approach. They felt it led to better communication between doctors and mental health specialists, was more convenient for patients, and that patients were less stigmatized.
