Integration of Behavioral Health and Medical Services: Using Patient Experience as a Guide

This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with behavioral health consultation in a primary and specialty care setting and to gauge patient interest in other behavioral health services.

We surveyed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (N = 65), following a brief behavioral health consultation about their satisfaction with the experience and their interest in various behavioral health services. Doctoral students with master's degrees in clinical psychology provided the consultations.

Patients were highly satisfied with behavioral health consultations and expressed moderate to high interest in various potential behavioral health services. Patients with more diabetes-related concerns were less satisfied with brief behavioral health consultations but reported greater interest in other behavioral health services.

Results were used to build stakeholder support and guide expansion of integrated behavioral health services. Examining patient experience can help identify patients who need more extensive services and ensure that services are patient centered.