Introduction

This chapter overviews the impetus for, current interest in, and efforts toward the integration of behavioral health care in primary medical care settings, with particular emphasis on the role that psychological assessment can play in integrated physical and mental healthcare programs. It uses the term primary care to describe the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community. The chapter presents a more detailed discussion of the comorbidity of chronic medical conditions and behavioral health conditions. Detection and treatment of mental health and substance abuse/dependence symptoms and disorders is problematic for the primary care provider. The inadequacies in the care provided to patients with behavioral disorders patients in primary care settings are the result of multiple factors. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.