USER

Our recognition of the benefits found in both behavioral and psychological models of care led us to develop a unique model of care for primary care mental health. We begin with a thorough but succinct assessment of the individual, his or her context, and the specific presenting concerns.  This assessment is specially adapted for the medical setting, and can be completed within 15-45 minutes. Research shows that treatment effectiveness depends on multiple factors, including readiness, motivation, openness to change, and a certain degree of self-reflective capacity. We also carefully assess the kinds of personality dynamics that might reduce the effectiveness of certain types of treatment.

Without considering these treatment factors, even the very best evidence-based treatments (e.g. for weight loss or smoking cessation) can fall apart. Failure to address these treatment factors often leads to failed interventions and treatment failures that result in discouragement, helplessness, and frustration. For changes to be effective and lasting, these factors need to be assessed and addressed within the treatment.

Using a combined behavioral-dynamic model, our clinicians carefully assess these critical treatment factors in the context of patient life circumstances, while building a therapeutic alliance with the patient. Interventions that begin with an awareness of these treatment factors can be thoughtfully tailored to avoid the kind of failed interventions that engender learned helplessness or worse, hopelessness. These kinds of feelings are closely associated with anxiety, depression and various forms of addictive or compulsive behaviors. Having completed these assessments, our clinicians can then make use of the kinds of evidence-based behavioral health techniques needed to address the presenting concerns.