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COLLABORATIVE CARE

"Collaborative Care" is team care provided by Dr. Hoffman and a mental health provider, Jamie Olken, ACSW. Rather than simply co-locating separate services at one site, "Collaborative Care" actually integrates the service. Patients are invited, at the time of their visit to Dr. Hoffman (or beforehand), to have care delivered by both practitioners. "Collaborative Care" offers short-term, outcomes-oriented treatment and follow-up as needed. Subsequent care may involve medical therapy, psychotherapy, follow-up "Collaborative Care," referral to social services, and/or communication with the ongoing psychotherapist.

An Improved Collaborative Care Model

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An internal study of 62 patients over 8 months yielded solid results. Nearly 70% of patients reported benefits from the "Collaborative Care" approach, most often citing the integration of mind-body issues. Overall, 66% took action as a result of the visit: 38% pursuing therapy with Ms. Olken; 25% seeking therapy with another provider; 33% implementing behavior change; and, 33% initiating psychotropic medications.

Furthermore, the study also found that "Collaborative Care" reached patients who might not otherwise seek appropriate mental health care. Some 64% of study participants said they would not have sought mental health services on their own. Of these, 57% had an active issue needing attention and 52% actually went on to take action after the visit.

Given the high prevalence of mental health issues seen in the primary care setting, the "Collaborative Care" model shows promise in getting more patients to seek and pursue appropriate treatment. Such treatment addresses not only mental health but also mitigates the many physical aspects of untreated mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, somatization, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Collaborative Care visits are available on TUESDAYS. When making your appointment, specify that it is for Collaborative Care. An hour will be set aside for you to visit with Jamie Olken ACSW and Dr. Hoffman. Separate charges are made for each provider.

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