Psychological consultation with primary care physicians: Obstacles and opportunities in the medical setting.

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between psychologists and primary care physicians and describes the training and practice of physicians in the areas of mental and behavioral health care. Issues affecting the relationship between psychologists and primary care physicians are then reviewed. Different models of psychological consultation are discussed, and an integrated behavioral systems model of psychological consultation is presented as a potentially effective model for consultation with primary care physicians. This model provides a framework for psychologists to function as coproviders of primary health care services. Practical strategies to enhance collaboration between psychologists and primary care physicians in private practice are discussed. The need for more research on primary care and for the inclusion of psychologists in managed care and health care reform are also highlighted. Primary practice and the role of the primary care physician will likely assume increasing importance as health care reform proceeds through the 1990s and into the 21 st century. Likewise, because psychologists have assumed fundamental research, clinical servke, and training roles in primary health care settings, it can be anticipated that these roles will become paramount in shaping the delivery of primary care services in the future. As evidence of the growing interest in this topic, the American Psychological Association (APA) recently sponsored