PSY 717 - Primary Care Psychology

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This class covers the special and unique role of psychologists as part of an integrated healthcare team in a primary care medical setting. Students will learn about interprofessional collaboration with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other providers. Aspects of the psychologist’s role unique to primary care settings, such as rapid assessment, brief interventions, non-office session locations, and coordinated care, will be important foci of the course. Clinical areas covered are traditional mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. The primary care psychologist/consultant role will be illustrated by conceptualizing interventions with people with health issues that are commonly confronted in primary care settings (e.g., diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.). The course will also cover key sociocultural components of health and illness, such as health policy and healthcare systems, delivery of services to diverse populations, legal issues, and ethical issues in primary care.