Integrated Behavioral Care Training in Family Practice Residency: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The value of integrated behavioral care has been noted for many years, but there are few descriptions of integrated training of primary care physicians, prescribing psychologists, and psychological/behavioral specialists. The authors describe a family practice residency program that trains family medicine physicians, prescribing psychology practicum students, and pre-doctoral and post-doctoral behavioral health consultants. Barriers to training in integrated care are described and solutions offered. The unique clinical and teaching roles of licensed prescribing psychologists in primary care are described.