Robinson, P.J., Wischman, C., & Del Vento, A. (1996)
Reno, NV: Contact Press; Oakland, CA: New Harbinger
Reader Targets
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Counselors, Family Therapists
Description
Treating Depression in Primary Care is a guide for primary care providers and behavioral health providers to use to improve care for depressed primary care patients. It provides detailed instructions on how primary care providers and behavioral health providers can work together in an integrated model to improve processes and outcomes with this large group of patients.
The methods and strategies detailed in the book were tested in two randomized control trials and found to result in greater patient benefit compared to usual care (primary care provider referral of patients to specialty mental health for psychiatric medication and/or cognitive behavioral treatment). Additionally, both primary care providers and patients were more satisfied with the integrated model of care than with the usual pattern of referring depressed patients to a specialty clinic separate from the primary care center.
Treating Depression in Primary Care provides instructions on how behavioral health providers can implement the evidence-based protocol in a series of 4 to 6 half-hour contacts with patients, including session guides. Additionally, it provides information about how to improve patient adherence to prescribed medications. Finally, the book offers practical tools to assist with implementation, including patient education booklets.
For Treating Depression in Primary Care, there is a companion self-help book for patients: Living Life Well: New Strategies for Hard Times (Robinson, 1996).
About My Co-Author
Chuck Wischman, M.D., is a veteran primary care provider and medical leader. He initiated integrated behavioral health services at the Group Health Downtown Seattle Clinic in 1989. Allison Del Vento, R.N., is a highly experienced primary care charge nurse who played a key role in the development and evaluation of a variety of innovative primary care programs involving behavioral health services at the Group Health Downtown Seattle Clinic.
Acknowledgements / Awards / Review
This book is a primary reference for treatment of depression in primary care in the United States Air Force Behavioral Health Optimization manual (distributed June 2011).
The “Seven Ways to Cope” patient education booklet from Treating Depression in Primary Care provides a curriculum for a 7-session open access, primary care class for depressed patients. The booklet is included here:
» Download the “Seven Ways to Cope” patient education booklet
