Supporting Mental Health in Primary Care
As a therapist, I’ve learned that many people are more likely to turn to their primary care provider for mental health concerns than to seek out a psychiatrist. This is especially true for those living in rural areas or with insurance plans that require referrals before seeing a specialist.
Primary care also offers a lower-stigma pathway into care. For many patients, it feels easier to bring up changes in sleep, appetite, or energy with a doctor they already know. That familiarity often opens the door to conversations about stress, anxiety, and mood, sometimes for the first time.
Why Primary Care Is a Key Setting for Mental Health
Primary care offices are well positioned to start these conversations because they can run basic labs and rule out medical issues that might contribute to mental health symptoms, such as thyroid changes or medication side effects. When those pieces are addressed, patients are better supported for next steps like therapy, medication management, or lifestyle changes.
A Helpful Resource: WacoGuide.org
For clinicians working in this overlap between physical and mental health, WacoGuide.org is a valuable, evidence-based resource. It’s designed to support primary care teams with clear, accessible guidance related to psychopharmacology and integrated care. The site is also featured on the AHRQ Behavioral Health Integration Ecosystem Directory, making it a trusted resource in the national conversation on integrated care.
Bringing It All Together
Behavioral health integration works best when everyone involved has the right tools and shared understanding. Resources like WacoGuide.org make collaboration easier and help providers stay focused on a common goal: giving patients whole-person care in the settings they already trust.
At CultivateCare, that’s what we focus on every day, helping practices bridge the space between medical and behavioral health so integrated care feels practical and sustainable. Sharing resources like WacoGuide is one small way to make that work a little easier for the teams who make it happen.
Disclaimer:
CultivateCare is not affiliated with WacoGuide.org, AHRQ, or any of their partners. The information in this post is provided solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice, clinical guidance, or an endorsement of any specific resource. Readers and providers should use their own professional judgment when applying any information referenced here.