Counselors-in-Training as Behavioral Health Consultants in Primary Care: A Focus Group Study

Authors

Heather Trepal, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow
Cory Knight, University of Houston Clear-LakeFollow
Rosalinda Strano-Burton, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow
Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, Eastern Oregon UniversityFollow
Stacy Ogbeide, University of Texas Health Science Center San AntonioFollow
Swathi Weaver, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-003-3491-4727

Document Type

Empirical Research Article

Keywords

counselor training, behavioral health consultation, primary care, focus group, behavioral health integration, primary care behavioral health

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

Integrated Primary Care (IPC) combines medical and behavioral services so that patients’ physical and behavioral health concerns can be addressed more effectively within primary care settings. The Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) Consultation Model is the gold star framework for IPC and entails team-based care for a broad spectrum of health conditions (i.e., depression, asthma, insomnia) through behaviorally focused appointments. Focus groups were utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of the PCBH internship experience of 12 counselors-in-training working as behavioral health consultants in primary care. Data were analyzed using constant comparison analysis and three themes were identified: (a) benefits to clinic infrastructure, (b) advocacy for behavioral health consultant (BHC) involvement and (c) barriers to clinic integration. Implications for counselor training and research are discussed.

Public Significance Statement

This study advances the importance of counselor training as Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) in primary care (PC) utilizing the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) Consultation Model. Additionally, the article adds evidence for how BHCs benefit clinics, require advocacy for their involvement, and highlights barriers to clinic integration.

DOI

10.70013/nk9uwu0m

Recommended Citation

Trepal, H., Knight, C., Strano-Burton, R., Lloyd-Hazlett, J., Ogbeide, S., & Weaver, S. (2024). Counselors-in-training as behavioral health consultants in primary care: A focus group study. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 18(3), 1-16.