Behavioral Health
What is integrated behavioral health?
As licensed professionals, the behavioral health providers at NEPA Community Health Care are an important part of your health care team. They assist patients coping with chronic illnesses and life stressors, as well as provide support for patients requiring behavioral health treatment. Integrated behavioral health services can help you understand and manage your physical, mental and emotional health!
How do I access integrated behavioral health services at NEPA Community Health Care?
If you already receive primary care services at NEPA Community Health Care, you can request to see a therapist when you come to your medical appointment. During your visit, your primary care provider may also ask a behavioral health provider to meet with you.
How is this different than other services in the community?
We take a holistic approach to care, which focuses on each person having a healthy mind and body! In combining our primary care and behavioral health expertise, every patient receives a complete diagnosis, the most effective treatment and the necessary follow-up.
What costs are involved for behavioral health services at NEPA Community Health Care?
Patients should expect a co-pay (usually the same amount as you would pay for a medical visit) due at time of service.
Sometimes life hands us problems we can’t handle alone. NEPA Community Health Care is dedicated to helping patients achieve the balance, health and well-being necessary to effectively deal with mental and emotional challenges. We offer an initial behavioral health assessment, counseling services and referrals to outpatient providers when needed.
Common Reasons to Seek Care:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief Counseling
- Eating Disorders
- Family and Parenting Counseling
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Impulse Control Disorders
Psychiatry
Is there a difference between mental health and behavioral health?
Yes, there is a difference between the two terms. Mental health is defined as the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person, impacting how you think, feel and act. Behavioral health focuses on a person’s habits and how those habits impact a person’s overall mental and physical health.
Since the two are closely related, mental health services are often provided in conjunction with behavioral health counseling by a therapist.
How do I know if I should see a psychiatric provider or a therapist?
If your mental health is preventing you from working, engaging with family and friends, or is simply interfering with your day to day functions, you should consider seeking care from a psychiatric provider.
It’s important to express these feelings to your primary care provider, who can refer you to one of NEPA Community Health Care’s psychiatric providers.
What should I expect when I come in for a mental health visit?
Patients coming in to see a mental health provider should know that initial visits may last up to an hour. It’s important for the provider to ask lots of questions related to your emotional well-being and daily functions to better understand your needs and develop a care plan that is uniquely tailored to you.
Do you treat patients of all ages?
Yes, all our providers treat patients across the lifespan.
Can I see my primary care provider on the same day?
In most cases, yes. Every primary care provider has at least two appointment slots reserved in their daily schedules for same-day visits. Although these slots are filled on a “first come, first served” basis, our staff will do everything they can to fit you into the schedule and meet your care needs.
Whether medical doctors or nurse practitioners, psychiatric providers are licensed clinicians who possess the expertise and ability to prescribe medication. As such, they spend a great deal of time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment for mental health concerns.
At NEPA Community Health Care, your mental health is just as important to us as your physical health. In fact, one will almost always impact the other. That’s why we offer primary care, mental and behavioral health services all under the same roof and try to make it as easy as possible for you to receive comprehensive, whole-person care!
Common Reasons to Seek Care:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia