The Connection Between Primary Care and Mental Wellness
Peter Graham, M.D.
| 3 min read
Peter T. Graham, M.D., is a chief medical officer fo...
Key Takeaways
- Many Americans might not be aware that their first step toward addressing their mental health care can take place in their PCP's office.
- For example, depression is a mental health disorder that increases the risk for many physical chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
- Many PCPs can facilitate mental health care by screening for anxiety, depression and substance use as part of integrated care during check-ups.
- Through the Collaborative Care model, primary care practices integrate mental health services into their practices.
A 2024 report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly one in five adults experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression over the previous 14 days. Since 2019, the percentage of adults reporting anxiety and depression symptoms has risen by roughly three percent each according to the report.
This data underscores how common mental health disorders are and how important accessible, routine mental health care is in the United States. Many Americans might not be aware that their first step toward addressing their mental health care can take place in their primary care provider’s (PCP) office.
How mental and physical health work together
When physical health is addressed, a person’s mental health tends to improve as well, and vice versa. That’s because the two are closely linked and share a bidirectional relationship.
Depression is a common mental health disorder that increases the risk for many physical chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This is an example of how a negative mental health outcome can lead to negative physical health outcomes.
An example of a positive relationship between physical and mental health is how maintaining a high level of exercise and physical activity benefits mental health by helping to naturally improve mood and reduce stress, according to many studies.
How primary care and mental wellness can intersect
Individuals might not go into an annual wellness visit expecting their PCP to serve as a first point of contact in accessing mental health care, but primary care can be a gateway to mental health services in various ways.
Many PCPs can facilitate mental health care by screening for anxiety, depression and substance use as part of integrated care during check-ups. Early detection in primary care settings can lead to faster intervention, helping individuals in need receive help before their symptoms get worse.
Primary care providers can also prescribe mental health medications for common conditions, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. If a potentially serious mental health issue is detected through a screening, PCPs can refer patients to the appropriate mental health professional for specialized care.
What role does Collaborative Care play in integrating mental health services into physical health practices?
The Collaborative Care Model is a provider-focused model that expands a patient’s dedicated care team to include a behavioral health care manager and consulting psychiatrist. Through this model, primary care practices integrate mental health services into their practices. Patients have quicker, more direct access to behavioral health specialists through the same office where they receive regular health care.
Primary care providers work with a mental health care worker and a consulting psychiatrist to develop a mental health plan that fits each patient’s individual needs through Collaborative Care. This breakthrough method of integrated care benefit patients by:
- Improving patient outcomes through efficient mental health care or care facilitation, in the same setting they receive physical health care.
- Helping patients receive prompt psychiatric recommendations in a less stigmatizing way.
- Providing a point of entry to mental health services, which can be difficult for many people to access, including populations in underserved or rural areas where mental health services may be scarce.
Learn more about how Blue Cross is ready to help support members and the community with mental health care here.
Peter Graham is an associate chief medical officer for Blue Care Network. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
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