A Mixed Methods Evaluation of an Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Training Program for Counseling Students

Abstract

Abstract Behavioral health provider shortages continue to grow in the United States, with the need for related services increasing as the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic persists. The implementation of integrated primary and behavioral healthcare (IPBH) practices represents one viable approach to leverage existing resources and maximize the potential for client outcomes; however, best practices for counselors within an IPBH paradigm remain unclear. We report the findings of a mixed method evaluation of an IPBH training program with 45 (36 females; 9 males; M age = 31.65) professional counseling students who predominately identified with ethnic minority identities (55%), urban residences (66%), and disadvantaged backgrounds (44%). We detected statistically and practically significant changes in self-efficacy (p = .01, d = .55) and interprofessional valuing and socialization (p < .01, d = .76), but mixed findings for variables associated with multicultural competence. Stakeholder interviews and document analysis identified four key facilitators (Financial Support; Facilitated Engagement; Witnessing Collaboration; Holistic Representation of Clients and Client Care) and four barriers (Awareness Raising and Recruitment; Logistics and Coordination; Inconsistent Culture of IPBH; Momentum Maintenance) to program success.