Behavioral Health

Whole Person – Integrated Care: What is it?

Integrated care relies on a team of primary care and behavioral health professionals working together to create a health home for our patients and families. This care may address chronic disease management, lifestyle change, health behaviors, mental health and substance misuse conditions, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. We will do our best to address all your needs at the time of your visit.

What can I expect during my visit?

You will meet with several team members who will partner with you to address your healthcare needs. Your primary care provider will ask about your physical and behavioral health including your mood, energy, sleep, and ways you deal with stress. The primary care provider may ask another team member, a behavioral health consultant (BHC), to offer additional assistance to meet your healthcare goals. As a team, you, your primary care provider, and your BHC, will determine how to best help reach your goals and develop a plan to help you succeed. When we recognize your stress and life challenges may require additional support, we will refer you to our Specialty Behavioral Health team for further support.

What is Specialty Behavioral Health at El Rio?

Specialty Behavioral Health provides traditional services to help manage mental health and behavioral health conditions. These services are provided by a team of licensed professionals trained as specialists who will evaluate your need for medications and offer talk therapy to help with resolving life challenges. Our goal is to support you with identifying your goals for treatment and assist you with developing the coping skills to achieve success.

How do I enroll in these services?

Your primary care provider can order a referral into services, or you can call our patient communications line and request services. After a referral or request is made, our intake care management team will call you to schedule your first appointment. Outside referrals can be scheduled by calling 520-309-3322.

What can I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit is very important to us. We take the time to learn more about your history and your needs for care at this time. You will meet with a trained Behavioral Health Case Manager who will gather information as part of your enrollment and intake into our services. These initial visits generally take 60-90 minutes to complete. Once completed, you will be scheduled to see a Behavioral Health Medical Professional to evaluate your need for medications and/or you will be scheduled to see a licensed Behavioral Health Professional who can provide talk therapy.