The behavioral health clinician, as part of the primary care treatment team, triages and manages patients with medical and behavioral health problems within the primary care setting. The behavioral health clinician provides quality clinical mental health consultation to providers and staff as requested. Additionally, the behavioral health clinician provides diagnostic mental health assessments, interventions, education, and referrals to further treatment to patients in the primary care setting. May also care a small caseload of patients for ongoing therapy in traditional outpatient setting.
- Provide consultation to and coordinate care of patients with primary care staff. Identify, refer and advocate for patients needing specialty behavioral health services and other services as needed.
- Assist in the detection of “at risk” patients and the development of plans to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration.
- Provides brief, solution focused behavioral interventions with active development of behavioral change plan.
- Teaches patients and families about care, prevention and treatment enhancement techniques.
- Attends and participates in meetings and quality improvement activities as required
- Assists primary health care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychosocial challenges.
- Assess the clinical status of patients referred by primary care providers through brief consultative contacts.
- Works with primary care team to efficiently and effectively treat and manage patients with chronic and new onset emotional and/or health problems.