Gianna M Colombo, Andrew D Wiese, Amelia E Mercado, Whitney S Shepherd, Michelle Fynan, Kara Ayers, W Conor Rork, Kristin M Kostick-Quenet, Dianne Nguyen, Sophie C Schneider, Julia M Morales, Saniah I Kazimi, Hannah E Cho, Members Of The Bbdc, Chaya N Murali, Marie-Eve Robinson, Brendan Lee, V Reid Sutton, Eric A Storch
{"title":"Osteogenesis imperfecta and the family: A qualitative analysis of the experiences of family and caregivers.","authors":"Gianna M Colombo, Andrew D Wiese, Amelia E Mercado, Whitney S Shepherd, Michelle Fynan, Kara Ayers, W Conor Rork, Kristin M Kostick-Quenet, Dianne Nguyen, Sophie C Schneider, Julia M Morales, Saniah I Kazimi, Hannah E Cho, Members Of The Bbdc, Chaya N Murali, Marie-Eve Robinson, Brendan Lee, V Reid Sutton, Eric A Storch","doi":"10.1037/fsh0001004","DOIUrl":"10.1037/fsh0001004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) describes a group of rare, heritable bone disorders causing bone fragility, tendency to fracture with minimal trauma, and chronic pain due to abnormal collagen synthesis. Limited research exists on the psychosocial impact of OI during childhood on caregivers and families.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to understand caregiver experiences, existing social support provided for families affected by OI, and the impact of OI on family life.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Thirteen caregivers of individuals with OI participated in semistructured interviews. Researchers coded, abstracted, and analyzed qualitative data to develop themes on the psychosocial impact of OI on the family unit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis yielded four themes: (a) encountering difficult experiences during diagnosis of OI, (b) caregiver well-being and coping, (c) broad family impact, and (d) the existence and further need for social support.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings have implications for child and caregiver well-being and health care professionals during diagnosis and emphasize the need for social support for families affected by OI. Future research should engage a more diverse (in terms of ethnoracial demographics and family structures) sample and utilize quantitative analyses to complement the present understanding of the relationship between OI and family well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12252216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catherine Guariglia, Pooja Padgaonkar, Mollie Cherson, Barbara Cymring, Dhruvi Shah, Laura Monroe, Maria Syl D de la Cruz
{"title":"Implementation and evaluation of an integrated behavioral health curriculum within a family medicine clerkship.","authors":"Catherine Guariglia, Pooja Padgaonkar, Mollie Cherson, Barbara Cymring, Dhruvi Shah, Laura Monroe, Maria Syl D de la Cruz","doi":"10.1037/fsh0001000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0001000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Integrating behavioral health into primary care through the Primary Care Behavioral Health model is crucial for addressing physical and mental health needs. Despite its importance, undergraduate medical education often lacks education and exposure to integrated behavioral health (IBH).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study aimed to address this gap by implementing an IBH curricular experience within a third-year family medicine clerkship and evaluating its impact on the students' knowledge and confidence in understanding IBH and managing mental health in primary care. The curriculum included a didactic lecture on IBH, a shadowing session with a behavioral health consultant and pre- and postsurveys to evaluate change in knowledge and attitudes. Data were collected from January 2023 through April 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. In total, 65 matched pre- and postsurveys revealed significant improvements in understanding the Primary Care Behavioral Health model (median increase from 3 to 4, <i>p</i> < .001) and in awareness of management strategies for conditions commonly seen within primary care, including anxiety and depression. Qualitative themes identified enhanced understanding of IBH, contributions to professional development, and constructive curricular feedback.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings demonstrate that the IBH experience improved students' knowledge and awareness in managing mental health within primary care and emphasize the importance of incorporating IBH into undergraduate medical education curricula to better prepare future physicians for interprofessional, holistic care. Further efforts to standardize the curriculum and expand active learning opportunities may enhance outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Margaret R Emerson, David J Johnson, Danae Dinkel, Robbin Thomas, Carli Culjat
{"title":"Feasibility and implementation of depression and trauma-focused mobile apps in integrated primary care clinics: Lessons learned from two pilot studies.","authors":"Margaret R Emerson, David J Johnson, Danae Dinkel, Robbin Thomas, Carli Culjat","doi":"10.1037/fsh0001001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0001001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Integrated primary care (IPC) settings serve as primary access points for mental health care, particularly for underserved populations that face barriers to traditional care. This brief report investigates the feasibility and practical implementation of two mobile health (mHealth) applications, MindLAMP and BounceBackNow, deployed in IPC settings. MindLAMP was selected for its evidence-based design tailored to support patients with depression, offering tools for mood tracking, cognitive behavioral strategies, and personalized feedback. BounceBackNow was chosen due to its focus on trauma-related symptoms, providing psychoeducational resources, symptom monitoring, and coping strategies specifically designed for individuals experiencing posttraumatic stress. Both apps were selected for their user-centered design, accessibility, and alignment with IPC goals of improving mental health access for underserved populations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The apps were deployed to support patients with depression and trauma-related symptoms, offering a digital tool to complement in-person therapy sessions. Both patient outcome measures and individual interview data from behavioral health providers and other clinical staff members were collected and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite the promising potential of these apps, the studies faced significant challenges, including low patient recruitment, technical barriers, and time constraints for health care providers.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to integrate digital health tools into existing health care systems. Future directions and lessons learned include addressing organizational barriers, enhancing provider training, and exploring community-based engagement strategies to improve patient adoption and sustained use of mHealth apps. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chimereodo Okoroji, Lindsay Poole, Jesslyn Jamison, Donna Armentrout, Angela Pereyra Monero, Jennifer A Mautone, Ariel A Williamson
{"title":"Barriers to and facilitators of integrated primary care engagement: Convergent and divergent perspectives of care team members and caregivers.","authors":"Chimereodo Okoroji, Lindsay Poole, Jesslyn Jamison, Donna Armentrout, Angela Pereyra Monero, Jennifer A Mautone, Ariel A Williamson","doi":"10.1037/fsh0001003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0001003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Integrated primary care (IPC) can improve access to behavioral health (BH) care, reduce stigma, and facilitate early intervention. However, few studies have examined key informants' perceptions of IPC engagement.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We qualitatively identified convergent and divergent perspectives of care team members and caregivers on pediatric IPC-related engagement barriers, facilitators, and suggestions for improvements.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Care team members (<i>N</i> = 48, 98.3% female, 72.9% non-Hispanic/Latine White) and caregivers (<i>N</i> = 10, 100% female, 10.0%. Asian, 30.0% Black/African American, 60.0% non-Hispanic/Latine White) completed semistructured interviews on IPC engagement in a large pediatric primary care network. Thematic analysis was used to iteratively identify patterns of meaning, as well as convergent and divergent themes across informant groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Convergent barriers included stigma, prolonged wait times, limited BH knowledge, difficulty navigating services, and limited BH provider availability. Whereas care team members identified more family-related barriers (e.g., beliefs, experiences), caregivers identified divergent barriers such as limited childcare. Perceived engagement facilitators converged across groups and mostly pertained to systems-related factors such as the colocation of services. Converging recommendations included additional behavioral clinicians and support staff, provision of psychoeducational resources, and expanding IPC services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although key informant groups similarly perceived many IPC benefits, including increased BH access, there are continued patient/family barriers to IPC engagement, with divergence in care team members' versus caregivers' views about the nature of these barriers. Findings suggest a need for systems-level changes to address these barriers and highlight the importance of including the unique perspectives of care team members and caregivers in future research examining IPC effectiveness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jean Doherty, Margaret Folan, Aoife O'Donoghue, Leona Gill, Lucille Sheehy, Caroline Brophy, Barbara Coughlan
{"title":"The early motherhood expectations versus reality study.","authors":"Jean Doherty, Margaret Folan, Aoife O'Donoghue, Leona Gill, Lucille Sheehy, Caroline Brophy, Barbara Coughlan","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000995","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The reality of transitioning to motherhood is challenging, as a new mother's identity, body, and family dynamics change. Social myths and media portrayals create unrealistic expectations, leaving new mothers unprepared for the reality. Exploring these expectations versus the reality of their experiences is essential to improving mothers' outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore first-time mothers' early motherhood experiences and how their experiences differed from their expectations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An exploratory study using three sequential focus groups of 16 first-time mothers in three hospitals in Ireland. Focus groups were audio recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Four themes were identified: \"I wish I knew,\" \"the myth of normal,\" \"the lottery of support,\" and \"surviving and thriving in the fourth trimester.\" Participants reported high levels of self-criticism, guilt, and emotional exhaustion, struggling to meet unrealistic parenting standards. Many lacked consistent postpartum support, leaving them unprepared for the emotional and practical challenges of motherhood. Improved antenatal education and extended, structured postpartum care were strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study emphasizes the importance of health care systems and policies which prioritize enhancing the quality and accessibility of professional care during the fourth trimester and beyond. Additionally, antenatal education should provide realistic portrayals of the transition to motherhood to prepare women for this critical period better. This study also recommends new mothers to accept instrumental support from partners and broader support networks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A gap exists between first-time mothers' expectations of early motherhood and reality. To reduce this gap, mothers require better preparation and improved postpartum care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144287188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parent and child approach to sustainable healthy eating and physical activity behaviors: A descriptive study.","authors":"Mutlu Tuce Ulker, Aysegul Simsek, Eda Usta, Emine Rana Meşe, Şevval Ceren Büyükaslan, Irmak Yüksekbulut","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000991","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000991","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Considering that parents' lifestyle choices also affect children, it is important to evaluate and improve these effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of parents' nutrition and physical activity behaviors, which have an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of positive health habits in primary school children on growth and development.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive and quantitative cross-sectional design was used in this study. We recruited 200 dyads (a mother with a child) conveniently. The Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors and Family Health Behaviors scales were administered to the parents. Anthropometric measurements, body mass index, and 3-day food consumption of children and their parents were recorded. Measurements were compared with scale scores. Anthropometric measurements were grouped according to the international obesity classification.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The parents of 200 children with a mean age of 11.2 years were included in the study. Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale score and health behaviors scale score of the parents were above the average. Anthropometric measurements and nutrient intakes such as carbohydrate, protein, and fatty acids were found to affect the scale scores. There was a moderate positive correlation between health behaviors and nutrition and physical activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows the results of health indicators of children involved in sports and their parents' behaviors. Nutrition and physical activity, which are the main health behaviors, affect the child as well as the parent. Health behaviors of families should be monitored by anthropometric measurements and food intake and positive habits should be gained. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing youth suicide prevention: The critical role of family involvement in screening, intervention, and postvention.","authors":"Matias Gay","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000994","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000994","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Suicide often arises from a collapse of personal identity and life narrative; yet, traditional risk assessments frequently overlook these deeper disruptions. Narrative identity theory offers a lens to understand suicidality as a crisis of selfhood and meaning.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This article introduces a clinically applicable method to assess suicide risk through three core narrative domains: character (who the person is), setting (where they come from), and script (where they believe they are going).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Drawing on narrative identity theory and existential psychology, the proposed approach guides clinicians to identify disconnections in role, belonging, and future orientation. Story-based tools for assessment and intervention are presented to support the reconstruction of narrative coherence and personal agency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mapping narrative disruptions across character, setting, and script enables early identification of suicide risk, especially in individuals who may not meet traditional thresholds for acute risk. Narrative reauthoring interventions help reestablish continuity, coherence, and hope.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This narrative framework enhances suicide prevention by moving beyond symptom management toward meaning-centered engagement. By helping individuals reweave fragmented life stories, clinicians can more effectively intervene in the existential and identity-based dimensions of suicidality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Travers, Iris Bercovitz, Kiri Baga, Andrea Lobo, M Cole Ainsworth, Jessica Zhou, Richard Jermyn, Danielle Arigo
{"title":"User-centered development of a web application to promote naloxone carrying among supporters of adults with opioid prescriptions.","authors":"Laura Travers, Iris Bercovitz, Kiri Baga, Andrea Lobo, M Cole Ainsworth, Jessica Zhou, Richard Jermyn, Danielle Arigo","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000993","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There is a critical need for new approaches to prevent opioid overdose; one is to expand the use of naloxone. Primary supporters of patients with opioid prescriptions are key in this role, though many hesitate to carry and administer naloxone. An insufficient understanding of supporters' experiences limits the ability to develop resources that will engage and promote naloxone use in this group. Web applications (apps) are accessible and can address concerns, though the preferences and needs of the supporters are poorly understood. This study was designed to identify (a) barriers and facilitators to naloxone use among supporters, and (b) preferences for a web app to provide relevant resources (e.g., content, design elements).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Participants (<i>N</i> = 16, <i>M</i><sub>age</sub> = 43, 50% racial/ethnic minority identification) identified as a patient's family member (87.5%) or friend (12.5%) and completed a semistructured interview.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thematic analysis identified patterns in supporters' responses: a wide range of experiences (including ambivalence), anxiety for themselves and the patient, lack of knowledge about naloxone, and desire for clear communication from providers. They expressed interest in a web app for supporters and preferred an interface that guides them through its use. Responses also conveyed appreciation for validating their challenges, a preference for a mature tone to app content, and high acceptability of the app prototype.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings show that user-centered design informed a digital tool that is responsive to the unique needs of those who could help to prevent deaths from opioid overdose; this tool warrants testing in large, diverse groups of supporters. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights into workforce development: An exploratory study of primary care psychology internship graduate careers.","authors":"Nydia M Cappas, Yoamy Toro, Viviana Hoyos","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As demand for integrated behavioral health services grows, understanding specialized training programs' contribution to workforce development becomes crucial. This study examines the career trajectories of graduates from a primary care psychology internship program in Puerto Rico to inform integrated care workforce strategies.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We analyzed data from an annual program survey conducted between March and June 2024 with 62 graduates (71% response rate) from a primary care psychology internship program (2007-2023 cohorts). The survey captured professional credentials, employment characteristics, and service patterns. Hispanic women comprised 85.5% (<i>n</i> = 53) of participants, who represented consecutive cohorts over 15 years. We analyzed descriptive statistics for licensure status, employment settings, leadership roles, and the population served.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most graduates (72.6%, <i>n</i> = 45) obtained psychology licensure. While 32.3% (<i>n</i> = 20) completed postdoctoral training, most entered practice directly. Currently, 41.9% (<i>n</i> = 26) work in primary care settings, and 51.6% (<i>n</i> = 32) in integrated care environments. Half of the sample (50.0%, <i>n</i> = 31) hold leadership positions. Most (61.3%, <i>n</i> = 38) work with underserved populations, with 46.8% (<i>n</i> = 29) working with people who experience substance use disorders.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings suggest that program graduates are engaged in roles within integrated care and underserved areas. However, structural barriers, including limited postdoctoral opportunities and regional economic factors, influence career development paths. This study highlights the need to systematically examine the career trajectories of integrated care internship graduates while considering the contextual factors that shape workforce development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca A Klege, Jennifer C Berko, Theresa Menders, Charu Verma, Ann M Nguyen
{"title":"Facilitators and challenges of implementing an integrated behavioral health model: An exploratory qualitative analysis of a New Jersey demonstration project.","authors":"Rebecca A Klege, Jennifer C Berko, Theresa Menders, Charu Verma, Ann M Nguyen","doi":"10.1037/fsh0000988","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000988","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Despite strong evidence supporting integrated behavioral health (IBH), implementing the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model remains challenging, particularly in safety-net settings like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs). This study examines facilitators and barriers to PCBH adoption during a New Jersey-based demonstration project funded by The Nicholson Foundation (2013-2019).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 behavioral health and primary care staff from 10 FQHCs/CHCs between June and September 2022. A thematic analysis using both inductive and deductive approaches guided our interpretation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five key facilitators emerged: (a) external system support, (b) leadership champions driving workflow redesign, (c) positive provider attitudes toward change, (d) comprehensive PCBH training for all staff, and (e) visibility of behavioral health consultants. Major challenges included: (a) lack of resources and standardized training materials, (b) difficulty recruiting and retaining behavioral health professionals, and (c) complex billing processes that delay revenue generation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>While PCBH implementation is complex, critical enablers can support success in FQHCs/CHCs. As PCBH gains traction in healthcare systems, insights from this study can inform future efforts, particularly in underserved settings aiming to integrate behavioral health into primary care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).</p>","PeriodicalId":55612,"journal":{"name":"Families Systems & Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144236062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}