Why Improving Access to Mental Health Care is an Ethical Imperative

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One in four youth and one in five women have identifiable mental health concerns and disorders. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth (ages 12-24) and is a leading cause of mortality in the first year of giving birth. There are not enough trained mental health professionals to meet the clinical demand. Therefore, it is imperative that primary care physicians become more knowledgeable and skilled in managing mental health concerns in their clinical settings.

This activity will first provide information on the serious and negative ramifications that stem from a delay in screening, assessing, and treating common mental health conditions before they become severe. Then the activity will provide evidence of improved care with the implementation of collaborative care models within PCP utilizing consultative support of trained mental health professionals. Finally, the activity will provide real time exposure to a consultation process within the activity to help provide scaffolding for participants to utilize the model outside of the activity.

Target audience: NE Texas PCPs and OB/GYNs