Training Psychologists in Integrated Primary Care and Child Maltreatment: Trainee and Supervisor Perspectives on...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Healthcare reform promotes interdisciplinary, team-based models emphasizing primary care, prevention, and health promotion.
• There is an increasing focus on psychosocial issues and social determinants of health, such as childhood adversity.
• Childhood adversity significantly impacts health outcomes, particularly in underserved populations, contributing to health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a specialized training program for psychology trainees.
• To equip trainees with skills for integrated primary care settings.
• To prepare psychologists to address and prevent child maltreatment and childhood adversity.

Main Methods:

• Overview of a training program curriculum.
• Focus on integrated primary care and child maltreatment specialization.
• Review of program strengths, challenges, and lessons learned.

Main Results:

• Psychologists are vital in integrated behavioral healthcare.
• Primary care settings offer unique opportunities for preventing childhood adversity.
• Targeted training is crucial for psychologists serving underserved populations.

Conclusions:

• The described training program aims to enhance psychologists' capacity in integrated primary care.
• Addressing childhood adversity is essential for improving care for underserved groups and reducing health disparities.
• The program provides specialized skills to prevent child maltreatment and promote well-being in vulnerable populations.