Photography: Steve WoodPatients can experience a new integrated approach in their visits with primary care physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The Integrated Behavioral Medicine Service Clinic uses an evidence-based model of collaborative care to normalize access to behavioral and mental health services in primary and specialty care settings at UAB Medicine.
The clinic targets prevention and early intervention, providing a brief, stepped care option to patients at risk for, or with, mild to moderate psychiatric and chronic health conditions who may not require, or prefer, traditional, general mental health services.
“Through the iBeMS clinic, we provide same-day service to any patient who may be experiencing common psychiatric concerns,” said Christina P. Parker, Ph.D., director of the iBeMS Clinic and assistant professor in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. “Seeing patients the day of their medical appointments distinguishes our care model, diverts referrals out of primary care, keeps appointments more efficient and increases access to psychiatric care.”
The clinic was started by Parker in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and since then has seen over 1,600 patients. Currently the clinic serves patients at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital and at the UAB Medicine Gardendale Primary and Specialty Care clinic. Parker’s hope is to continue to grow the number of clinics that provide iBeMS services.
“Data tells us that, with mental health patients, up to 75 percent could get lost in referrals, whereas 90 percent of patients will receive care when it is integrated into an office,” Parker said. “With iBeMS, physicians can consult in real time with our mental health specialists on diagnostic impressions and recommendations, and together, they can collaborate on plans and monitor a patient’s health.”
After a brief consultation with an iBeMS specialist, patients can receive same-day interventions and evidence-based interventions they can start including in their daily routine.
Mental health concerns that the clinic treats include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic
- Insomnia
- Behavioral aspects of chronic medical conditions, including chronic pain, renal disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease/hypertension, and nicotine dependence
- Management of chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, migraine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
To learn how to see an iBeMS specialist, ask your UAB primary or specialty care provider.