Treating depression in primary care: An innovative role for mental health nurses

Late-life depression is common in primary care. However, because of barriers such as stigma and the assumption that depression in older adults is a normal part of aging, it is often underrecognized and undertreated. Further, most primaty care providers do not have the time or resources to provide adequate follow-up depression care. By integrating a depression clinical specialist into the primary care setting, many of these barriers to effective treatment can be addressed. In this paper, a collaborative, stepped care treatment program witb registered nurses practicing as depression clinical specialists is describe. Additionally, three case reports illustrate the model. This intervention program offers a unique opportunity for mental health nurses to practice collaboratively in the primary care setting and to provide much needed care to an underserved population.

Duke Scholars

Author David Carl Steffens Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychol ...