Clinical Psychology Interventions in Primary Care

Abstract

This chapter reviews the need for clinical psychology services that are integrated into the primary health-care environment and covers in depth the issues that an effective primary care clinical psychologist must understand to function effectively in primary care. These are understanding the primary medical care environment, recognizing the unique characteristics of primary medical care patients who seek psychological services, and the key treatment tactics and strategies necessary for effective work in a primary care environment. Recommendations are illustrated with numerous case examples adapted from the experiences of a veteran primary care clinical psychologist.