Main description:

This timely book trains graduate-level social workers, mental health counselors, and health psychologists to step into the role of the Behavioral Health Specialist in primary care settings, a role that will see increased demand under the Patient Accountability and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Patients with chronic conditions need psychosocial support and counseling to help them make the lifestyle and behavioral changes needed to prevent disease complications. Behavioral Health Specialists on integrated primary care teams need behavioral health promotion skills and counseling skills to help bridge the fragmentation between physical and mental health care, in order to assist and support patients in optimizing their health. Using rich case examples drawn from typical patient presentations of common chronic conditions encountered in primary care, this book gives students the skills needed to step into the role of Behavioral Health Specialist on a primary care team. It is ideal for health care social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists training to practice in a primary care setting.

Contents:

Part I: Behavioral Factors in Primary Care
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Integrated Primary Care Team
Chapter 2: Trends in Outpatient Health Care
Chapter 3: Theories of Health Behavior and Behavior Change
Part II: Skills for the Behavioral Health Specialist in Patient Care
Chapter 4: Diabetes Management
Chapter 5: Cardiovascular Conditions
Chapter 6: Obesity
Chapter 7: Chronic Pain
Chapter 8: Sleep Disorders
Chapter 9: Geriatric Conditions
Chapter 10: Cancer-Related Conditions