Behavioral health and physical health are inter-related. The choices we make on a daily basis, including what foods we eat, how much exercise and sleep we get, and choosing to smoke or drink, all have an impact on our overall wellbeing.
Behavioral health refers to the connection between our behaviors and our physical and mental health. While certain health conditions are impacted or caused by environmental factors, our individual behaviors also play a large role. We should choose to limit our exposure to things that are harmful to our health, like cigarette smoke, alcohol, and junk food, and increase exposure to things that are good for our health, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The term behavioral health used to only refer to behaviors that prevented illness and promoted health or lifestyle changes that help people manage chronic illnesses. More recently, the term behavioral health has incorporated mental health as well; since, sometimes, patients with physical health issues also have mental illness issues. For example, people with obesity or diabetes may also develop depression as well. Consequently, they may not always take their medications properly or take the necessary steps to control the disease effectively; steps like proper diet and exercise. Patients with substance abuse disorders may also find their substance abuse issues have a negative effect on their overall health. For instances such as these, patients benefit from primary care settings that serve as a gateway for the behavioral and primary care needs which are closely intertwined.
Community Care Physicians provides a spectrum of behavioral health services, ranging from initial consultation, screening and discussion with your primary care physician, referral to specialists, and integrated visits with behavioral consultants in certain primary care offices. Behavioral health consultants offer assistance when physical, medical or other life problems interfere with daily life and/or overall health. Behavioral health consultation is often sought for chronic pain, headaches and migraines, diabetes, weight management, depression and grief, anxiety and panic, sleep problems, asthma, high blood pressure, pregnancy health, parenting health, attention and behavioral concerns, tobacco use, and alcohol and drug abuse. Services may be consultative, individualized, or provided in groups.
The goal of the behavioral health services at Community Care Physicians is to help people lead healthier, fuller lives. To learn more about behavioral health, or for additional resources, here are some links you may find helpful:
Useful Links
communitycare.com/Latham Medical Group/Behavioral Health
Further enhancing our team approach, Latham Medical Group now incorporates integrated behavioral health services.
Integrated Behavioral Health at Latham Medical Group
The Integrated Behavioral Health program at Latham Medical Group is a unique, patient centered approach to behavioral health under the direction of Cindi Stone, LMHC, NCC.
Recommendations for Depression Screening in Adults
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently made recommendations for depression screenings in adults during annual wellness visits.
National Institute of Mental Health/anxiety disorders
The National Institute of Mental Health’s page on Anxiety Disorders has lots of great information on the sign and symptoms, risk factors, treatments, therapies, and more.
National Institute of Mental Health/depression
National Institute of Mental Health page on Depression has lots of great information on the sign and symptoms, risk factors, treatments, therapies, and more.
No matter what problems you are dealing with, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline wants to help you find a reason to keep living.
The Veterans Crisis Line can help veterans through any personal crisis, even if that crisis does not involve thoughts of suicide. The Veterans Crisis Line can help all veterans in crisis, even those who are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
National Institute of Mental Health/health topics
The National Institute of Mental Health has a plethora of Mental Health information on a variety of Mental Health conditions.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.