Integrated care models emphasize whole‑person, biopsychosocial treatment, yet many Behavioral Health Clinicians continue to receive predominantly mental‑health‑focused referrals, limiting their impact on medical conditions such as chronic disease, chronic pain, and lifestyle‑related concerns. This misalignment not only reduces the effectiveness of integrated care but also contributes to clinician burnout when expectations for team‑based medical collaboration do not match day‑to‑day practice. This presentation will explore system‑level factors that drive mental‑health‑only referral patterns and discuss their implications for patient care, team functioning, and BHC role sustainability. Practical strategies will be offered to help BHCs advocate for and increase medical‑based referrals within their clinics, strengthening comprehensive care and reinforcing the full scope of their professional expertise.
Elisa Rudd, PsyD
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Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care: A Guide to Integrating Services Third Edition 2025 by Patricia J. Robinson (Author), Jeffrey T. Reiter (Author)