Behavioral Health Training Is Good Medicine for Counseling Trainees: Two Curricular Experiences in Interprofessional Collaboration

Abstract

Based on training efforts at two universities, this article explores considerations when mental health professionals (MHPs) are trained to work effectively in primary care settings. It first outlines the curriculum of an advanced doctoral level course in health psychology practice. To better refine the experiences of trainees, it then describes a qualitative pilot study of counseling psychology practicum students (N = 4) in a primary care setting. Six themes from the interviews and focus groups are identified: mental health culture, primary care context, challenging entry, adapting to the primary care context, managing complex cases, and results of the collaborative process. Finally, it provides recommendations for future training and research direction.