ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the observations of students as they move from learning about traditional mental health practices to learning and experiencing practice in primary care. It describes the foundational guidelines that shape practice in primary care, discusses the necessary competencies for psychologists working in the primary care setting, and explains how to measure whether those competencies are met and maintained. The course covered a range of topics including history; core concepts and models of integrated primary care; understanding the context of primary care; policies and implementation; ethics, diversity, training and research considerations; assessment and documentation; and core intervention strategies for conditions commonly seen in primary care. In addition to differing expectations versus reality in the context of the integrated primary care model and clinical skills required, students also wrestled with some aspects of practice management. Practicing in primary care settings requires a breadth of necessary training and skill development to be effective.
