Treating Depression in Primary Care: A Manual for Primary Care and Mental Health Providers

This brief practitioner guide book describes simple and practical strategies for assessing and treating depression using techniques that are tailored to fit the " fast pace" of primary care. The guide book shows how these strategies may be implemented by physicians alone, or in coordination with an on-site mental health provider. The Integrated Care Program focuses on selecting appropriate medication and behavioral interventions, involving the patient as a " partner" to promote compliance, regularly monitoring progress and forming a strong relapse prevention plan. The book contains the necessary clinical forms, excellent patient education materials, and specific protocols for communicating with managed care reviewers.