The future for mental health in primary health care programs

Our largely separate mental health system has developed in relationship to a health care system oriented toward specialization and solo practice. Now the health care system is moving in the direction of primary care and group and organizational practice. New forms of mental health delivery are needed to maximize the potential of these new health care programs for mental health services. The author describes these new integrated programs which bring mental health providers into the primary health care programs for direct services as well as consultation. Issues discussed include mutual roles, changes in services, the referral process, and provider relationships. The advantages of such integrated programs include decreased stigma, increased prevention through earlier detection and referral, increased family orientation, greater coordination of care, and less duplication.