What's integrated care, you ask, and why does it matter?
If you're familiar with Kaiser or have Kaiser, you know their insurance company is famous for integrated care. Yes, it can be a pain having to see a Kaiser doctor only; however, the best part is having all your medical records in one place, easy collaboration with doctors, and efficient direct care!
Imagine a world in healthcare where the mind and body are not separated. Your mental health and physical health are all one. No having to go from doctor to doctor releasing medical files, spending time and money traveling to multiple places. Plus, your licensed therapist has the knowledge to understand medical illnesses, treatment, psycho-pharm medications, and side effects and can reach out to your doctors to help you with solutions and, most importantly, advocate for you and your whole self!
Now, as a doctoral student, I am proud to be a part of the Doctorate of Behavioral Health program that assists me in refining my skills as a licensed professional counselor and provides me with advanced knowledge in medical literacy to go the extra mile in ensuring that my clients are receiving all the necessary tools and care for treatment through integrated care.
While healthcare has a long way to go, integrated care facilities exist. They are just too far/few in-between. That's why my goal is to disrupt the pattern of being a traditional therapist solely focused on the mind. With my expertise in trauma-informed care and providing services to diverse populations who are likely to be at a disadvantage, I know they are more likely to suffer from co-occurring diagnoses both medically and mentally. Therefore, by having the education to identify areas that may need additional care by a medical professional and collaborating on an effective treatment plan, I can help these clients meet their treatment goals to thrive despite living in situations of adversity.
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