Primary care's role in mental health

Clinical editors: Drew Bertagnolli, PhD, Megan Dodson, PA

Mental health conditions are on the rise– 19% of people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition. Yet many people are still not seeking care. In the U.S., approximately 57% of people with mental health conditions don’t receive treatment. Reasons for this can vary. Some people don’t know how to find a provider, while others may avoid getting help due to fear of stigmatization. When people do seek care, they are often referred to out-of-network providers (such as therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists), making care expensive and out-of-pocket. Those who seek in-network care may struggle to find a provider who is taking on new patients, accepts their health insurance, is the right fit, or has appointment availability.

What many people don’t realize is that their primary care provider (PCP) is a great option for getting mental health care. We consider mental health an essential part of primary care, and believe that mental health doesn’t always have to include psychotherapy or medication. PCP’s are equipped to treat the whole person, knowing that the physical affects the mental and vice versa. PCPs can help establish the right care plan specific to peoples’ unique needs, whether that’s identifying lifestyle changes, finding a therapist or coach, or prescribing medication.

Most people head to their PCP for help with physical concerns, but don’t actively seek care from their provider for mental health issues. In fact, one survey led by researchers at UC Davis, found that adults may not tell their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of depression because they believe that mental health is outside their primary care provider’s purview. However, emotional well-being and physical health are deeply interconnected.

However, emotional well-being and physical health are deeply interconnected. Oftentimes mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can cause physical symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, changes in weight or appetite, and various others. Likewise, poor mental health can impact sleep quality, cause insomnia, affect eating patterns and weight gain or loss, impair productivity, concentration, communication with others, motivation to exercise and take medication as prescribed, and cognitive functioning.

If left untreated, mental health conditions can negatively impact one’s personal and professional relationships, as well as lead to severe long-term health effects. Having a better picture of your emotional well-being can help your PCP better treat your physical symptoms and vice versa.

At One Medical, we believe your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We’ve incorporated mental health care into our standard primary care model, and our providers can effectively screen, diagnose, and treat everything from day-to-day stress to major depression.

With our dedicated mental health visit (done over a scheduled remote visit), our PCPs have the time to discuss your mental health, identify issues and develop a personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs — whether that’s lifestyle changes, medication, one of our mental health programs, or a referral to a specialist. As specialists like therapists and psychiatrists can be expensive and often have long waits for appointments, starting with a primary care provider as your initial point of entry can save you time and money, as well as help you get the care you need quicker. If you need or want more specialized care, we have a curated referral network of therapists and psychiatrists who we know and trust that we can send you to.

Our suite of behavioral health services, Mindset by One Medical, is included as part of our standard, comprehensive primary care membership. This includes our core primary care, such as mental health specific appointments, medication management or specialist referrals, as well as universal behavioral health screenings before all annual, Live Well visits.

At One Medical, we want to normalize going to your primary care provider for more than just physical ailments. Have questions about your mental health? Schedule a remote mental health visit with one of our providers today.

Originally published October 9, 2020.