Q: What role do family physicians play in providing mental health care?
A: Primary care physicians, including family physicians, often serve as the first point of contact for patients navigating the health care system, and many people with mental health needs will be diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting.
Family physicians receive extensive training in caring for patients with depression and other mental illnesses, and patients benefit when they receive care from a physician who knows and understands their entire health history. Family physicians can screen for, diagnose and treat mental health concerns, as well as refer patients to behavioral health specialists and prescribe medication when appropriate.
Q: What does behavioral health integration mean?
A: The AAFP advocates for robust investment in an array of resources to better integrate behavioral health care into primary care practices. This integration exists along a spectrum ranging from consistent coordination of referrals and exchange of information to locating behavioral health services within the primary care office.
However, there are several barriers to integrating behavioral health into primary care practices. These include a limited workforce, payment and reporting requirements, and steep start-up costs.
Q: How does the AAFP advocate for mental health?
A: The AAFP believes mental health services must be accessible, affordable and equitable. The AAFP advocates for federal and state lawmakers and regulators to improve patient access to behavioral health services, including the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, and other mental health concerns.
The AAFP also advocates for improved physician payments for services, investments in training and education for physicians to integrate behavioral health into their practices, and other measures to better facilitate and reimburse medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, mental and behavioral health services for children and adolescents, maternal mental health care and care-coordination efforts with other behavioral health clinicians.
Q: How does the AAFP support physician mental health and well-being?
A: Research shows that physicians in the U.S. face nearly twice the rate of suicidal ideation compared to the general population, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated personal hardships as physicians continue caring for patients, themselves, and their families.
Physician Health First® offers online programming and resources, including selected readings, continuing medical education and leadership programming to help physicians have a positive impact on their work environment. The AAFP also offers the Leading Physician Well-Being certificate program, a 10-month program that includes three foundational areas; physician well-being, leadership development, and performance improvement.
