Special Programs

Integrated Behavioral Health Program

The mission of the Integrated Behavioral Health Program (IBH) is two-fold: to provide effective, evidence-based behavioral health services to patients with mental health issues and to increase the skill and comfort level of primary care providers in addressing mental health concerns.

The Integrated Behavioral Health Program at PCC employs a collaborative care model in which the primary care provider, Behavioral Health Specialist, and consulting psychiatrist work together to address a patient’s mental health issues within the primary care setting. The IBH program is available to existing PCC adult and adolescent patients. Patients in the IBH program are primarily treated for diagnoses of depression and anxiety. Patients with other mental health or substance abuse diagnoses, or those who are in need of more specialized, intensive care are referred to the appropriate community providers. PCC may remain their medical home.

Clinic social workers screen patients for enrollment in the IBH program. When eligible, a more comprehensive clinical assessment is completed, and an individualized care plan is established. Through the IBH program, patients may receive psychotropic medication through their primary care provider, ongoing care monitoring, and the option of short-term psychotherapy with the Behavioral Health Specialist.

Patient progress is monitored on an ongoing basis, using standardized measures for tracking symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health provides a clinical database that allows the Behavioral Health Specialist to track patient progress until mutually–set goals for improvement are met. The psychiatrist consults with the primary care provider and a Behavioral Health Specialist regarding diagnosis and the optimal course of treatment. Funding from the St. David’s Foundation has enabled the PCC pharmacy to add medications to the formulary to bridge the gap between the time needed medication is first prescribed and the time the patient can receive it through the Patient Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

Available Reports:

A Process and Outcome Evaluation of Two Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Models: People's Community Clinic and Lonestar Circle of Care
Fall 2009 - Year Three / Final Report
Prepared for: St. David's Foundation
Prepared by: Dr. Toni Watt

A Process and Outcome Evaluation of Two Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Models: People's Community Clinic and Lonestar Circle of Care

Spring 2009 - Year Two Report

Prepared for: St. David's Foundation

Prepared by:  Dr. Toni Watt

A Process and Outcome Evaluation of Two Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Models: People's Community Clinic and Lonestar Circle of Care

Spring 2008 - Year One Report

Prepared for: St. David's Foundation

Prepared by:  Dr. Toni Watt