My vision is of a primary care system that includes behavioral health services. If we work together, we can create community clinics that provide wholistic care. Visit SpeaktoyourDoctor.com.

Who Am I?

My story

Dr. Patti Robinson grew up in a rural part of Texas and healthcare resources were limited. When she received care, she liked the people that delivered it. Early on, she decided that she wanted to help others and thought nursing or teaching would be a good way to do that. She learned about psychology in her second year of high school and decided she must go to college to learn more. With scholarship support, she moved through college quickly and received her Ph.D. at age 26.

Patti moved to Kansas to participate in a health psychology internship. She then re-settled herself and her young daughter in Washington state where she worked as a school psychologist for a few years. Patti missed working in healthcare and obtained employment with a large healthcare organization with an affiliated research group. There, Patti split her time between clinical practice and research. Her research focused on identifying what and how to deliver mental health interventions in primary care to extend their reach to more people.

Patti presented results from several early studies exploring integrated care services to people with symptoms of depression. Several large organizations, including the United States Air Force, listened and wanted to “follow the science”. This morphed quickly into the start of a series of long-term consulting relationships with large organizations

The new field of integrated care that emerged in the 1990s lacked the definition of a model to guide implementation proof of concept studies and eventually scaling up change efforts. Robinson said goodbye to her research group and moved to a rural area in Washington state, where she partnered with primary care providers in a rural health care system. The research question in this new “lab” context was, “What can we do, as a team, to deliver more effective behavioral health interventions to more people in our clinic?”

At this pivotal moment, Patti met Jeff Reiter and together they made a commitment to define a model for integration and write a book for others to use as a guide. While not a co-author, Kirk Strosahl, another integrated care pioneer, contributed a great deal to their formulations. Twenty years passed in a flash, and in early 2025, Patti and Jeff published the 3rd edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care: A Guide to Integrating Services.

From the very first research study of integrated care, Robinson new that behavioral health providers would need to use different assessments and interventions in primary care. With Dr. Strosahl, Robinson developed a trans-diagnostic psychotherapy approach for primary care behavioral health providers to use in their generalist role. This approach involves adaptation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the time-constrained context of primary care. It is known as Focused ACT, and Robinson, with colleagues, has authored professional books and several self-help books on this approach.

Whether you are reading my story as a patient or provider, do take a moment to explore the Speak To Your Doctor Information Sheet (link to website file) to learn about steps you might take to improve your health and the health of those in your community.

Brief bio

A pioneer researcher and clinician in integrated behavioral health, Dr. Patricia Robinson has been instrumental in shaping the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model. She has received numerous awards for her innovative work from the American Psychological Association, the Society of Clinical Health Psychology, and the Collaborative Family Health Service. With decades of experience and a background in research, she has worked extensively with healthcare systems to implement evidence-based behavioral health programs that improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery. Dr. Robinson is also the co-founder of a brief therapy model associated with improving access to mental health services and with improving quality of life for people of all ages. She has written several books on Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and offers an online training program in this approach. She is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and author dedicated to making whole-person healthcare accessible and effective.

Vita: Patricia Robinson, PhD

What Do I Do?

I am a writer and a consultant. I provide technical assistance to clinics and healthcare systems that want to improve their services. I provide supervision and training to individuals and groups. I am a public speaker as well and enjoy live radio talk shows. And, of fundamental importance, I am a doting grandmother, a committed dog-mother, a gardener, and a baker.

I tailor trainings to the needs of my clients. These are a few examples of trainings that I have offered recently.

  • The Benefits and Challenges of Integrated Care in Pediatric Settings
  • Health Improvement Practitioner: The New “HIP” Member on the Team
  • Scaling Up: Tips from the Front Line
  • Training Trainers for Integrated Care: A Step towards Sustainability
  • A Therapy for All: Learning Focused ACT in One Day
  • Integrated Care Services for People with Chronic Pain and Problematic Use of Opioids
  • All Hands on Deck: Including Non-licensed Health Workers in Integrated Care
  • Community Health Workers Use of Phone-based Focused ACT with People with Uncontrolled Diabetes

I also provide 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day intensive trainings on these topics.

  • Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (annual summer intensives in Europe and USA in late summer)
  • Primary Care Behavioral Health Foundations
  • The Combo: Primary Care Behavioral Health and Focused ACT

Speak To Your Doctor

Read the Speak to Your Doctor Information Sheet to learn steps that you and your doctor might take to improve primary care services. Also, let your doctor or other PCP (e.g., nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) know that they can learn about how to improve primary care by integrating behavioral health services at https://speaktoyourdoctor.com . The books name is Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care: A Guide to Integrating Services, 3rd Ed, and there are lots of free downloads available at the website.

Speak To Your Doctor Information Sheet

Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care – Version 3

  • Information about new developments in primary care

  • Updated evidence for using the Primary Care Behavioral Health to guide integration

  • A chapter for primary care leadership

  • New tools and handouts for training behavioral health consultants

  • New information about the “Care Extender” role in primary care

  • New core competency tools for Behavioral Health Consultants, Primary Care Providers, and other members of the team–all with behavioral anchors and illustrations

  • Slides for PCBH foundation training

  • Video clips to support skill development

  • New patient-facing handouts

  • Tool kit for use of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to organize behavioral health consultant visit

  • Practical chapter–Top Ten Tips for Implementers

  • Practical chapter–Frequently Asked Questions: Asked and Answered

Robinson and Reiter’s latest edition illuminates the leading edge of integrated behavioral health. These authors are pracademics who have one foot in the work of doing it and one in the context that empowers and spreads the innovation. Practical, evidence-informed, and visionary, this book will be a key source for my organization across the range of implementers and researchers.

Jodi Polaha, PhD, Professor and Director, East Tennessee State University Institute for Integrated Behavioral Health

The previous edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care has been our “bible” over the past 5years, for those of us implementing and delivering the Primary Behavioural Healthcare programme here in New Zealand. This third edition contains substantial new material, including very useful tools, chapters on advanced BHC roles and leadership, and new patient handouts. No doubt it will become our new bible as we take this wonderful programme forward into the next 5years and beyond.

Dr David Codyre, Clinical Director Mental Health and Wellness Support/Consultant Psychiatrist, Tāmaki Health and Clinical Director, Tū Whakaruruhau (Auckland Wellbeing Collaborative)

This book has become an indispensable resource for any primary care practice starting an integrated behavioral health program. Our multiculturally diverse FQHC wishes it had been available when we started our PCBH program many years ago. This 3rd edition provides valuable new resources to support thriving programs in meeting the complexities of ever-evolving healthcare systems.

Judy Featherstone, MD, Chief Health Officer (retired), HealthPoint

This seminal update captures the maturity of the PCBH movement and sets it up for its next evolution. From practical insights to build, sustain, and scale PCBH, this must-have guide describes how all members of primary care can work to advance equitable healthcare. Most importantly, it provides a map for career advancement, workforce development and step-by-step wisdom to train, retain, and grow in PCBH as a professional and as a health system.

Deepu George, PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor, Primary Care & Community Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grand Valley School of MedicineISU; Director, Integrated Behavioral Health,

The 3rd edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care is a completely new book with seven completely new chapters. Robinson and Reiter are the experts on integration, and both have extensive experience and a passion for primary care. There is something here for everyone—clinicians, patients, managers, leaders, funders and politicians. This book can help you change healthcare in your region, as Patti Robinson has done in New Zealand, where most primary care clinics now offer the services of Behavioural Health Consultants/Health Improvement Practitioners.

Bruce Arroll, MBChB, PHD, FRNZCGP (Distinguished); FRNZCUC (Honorary), Elaine Gurr Chair in General Practice, Director of the Goodfellow Unit for Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland

This is THE comprehensive guide to primary care behavioral health practice, implementation, and evaluation. Patti and Jeff’s first handbook facilitated transformation of primary care services around the world. This new edition, bursting with encouragement and practical resources, will inspire further evolution of primary care teams that effectively optimize health and vitality across populations.

Kathryn E. Kanzler, PsyD, ABPP, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Section of Health Services Research, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine; Clinical Investigator, Center for Innovations, DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center

The new material in this edition will serve as a compass, guiding our ongoing transformation of Primary Care in Te Waipounamu (South Island of New Zealand) through the integration of the PCBH model. The introduction of new core competency tools promises to be an exciting addition, enhancing the capability of our workforce.

Sarah Redfearn, Master Trainer Candidate, WellSouth Primary Health Organization, Dunedin, Te Waiponamu Region, New Zealand

A must-have for any professional working with behavioural or mental health in primary care! Updated, revised, and expanded, the third edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care is even more powerful and practical than before. This in-depth yet easy-to-use guide is packed full of tools, techniques, ideas and strategies that will enable you to improve health in your community, in ways both great and small.

Dr Russ Harris, Author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple

Reiter and Robinson’s 3rd edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care is an indispensable guide for integrating behavioral health services in rural and underserved communities. Their expertise shines through, making it a must-read for advancing holistic patient care. Highly recommended!

Jennifer Yturriondobeitia, MSW, DBH, CEO/President Cornerstone Whole Healthcare Organization, Inc (C-WHO)

The first edition of this text was a seminal guide to integration that I leveraged as an early career professional. Now 17 years later, the updates highlight the evolution of PCBH, new and evolving leadership roles and truly highlight the power of integration. This book is energizing regarding the power of PCBH and the wide ripple effects it has on healthcare delivery for patients and the care team.

Elizabeth Zeidler Schreiter, PsyD, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Access Community Health Centers

Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) is an essential component of high-quality primary care. Robinson and Reiter have done it again! Their book in its 3rd edition is your comprehensive, how-to guide to PCBH training, implementation, and sustainment. This is how you do it!

Julie Oyemaja, PsyD, Relational Leader, Interprofessional Primary Care Institute

This book excels in delivering comprehensive insights into primary care, PCBH leadership, and essential BHC competencies, making it an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals. They truly knocked it out of the park (again) with their thorough and practical approach. Loved the resources and application tools for all seasoned providers and newcomers involved in primary care behavioral health. Highly recommend!

Lesley Manson, PsyD, Co-Author of “Integrating Behavioral Health into the Medical Home” and Clinical Associate Professor, Arizona State University

Robinson and Dr. Reiter have done it again—this is the definitive source for anyone looking to learn about, implement, and/or improve their primary care behavioral health practice. A rare mix of science and practice, this book is written in an accessible language, provides practical examples and a plethora of resources to clinicians, and captures the developing and rich scientific background supporting the PCBH model of care.

Ana Bridges, PhD, Professor and Director of Clinical Training, University of Arkansas

Primary Care Behavioral Health has had a critical impact for my primary care providers and the patients they serve; improved access and outcomes are just the beginning. This updated guide from PCBH’s founding experts makes sustained excellence in this work accessible to teams everywhere. Success in integrating behavioral health and primary care requires more than an intention to begin; leaders must also have the vision to grow and manage the model to key success metrics over time. Patti and Jeff’s guide provides critical tools and a roadmap which makes excellence in this work accessible to all.

Mia Wise, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Kinwell Medical Group

The first edition of this book was instrumental in helping me learn about the PCBH model, which has been a wonderful change in the primary care world. Now that the PCBH model is in widespread use, I’m looking forward to reading all the updated material in this newest edition—particularly the chapters on core competencies for primary care providers and the new chapter on leadership. This is a wonderful addition to any primary care provider’s library.

Kim McDermott, MD, Pediatrician, HealthPoint

Drs. Robinson and Reiter have really outdone themselves with this COMPREHENSIVE guide! They truly thought of EVERYTHING with this 3rd edition—from Core Competencies for ALL team members, to an essential repository of tools, hand-outs, fliers, and scripting for all things—implementation to expansion to evolution. I’m better prepared to train the new workforce thanks to Patti and Jeff!

Bridget Beachy, PsyD, Director of Primary Behavioral Health Care, Community Health of Central Washington