Brief Interventions for Anxiety in Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH)

Anxiety is prevalent and burdensome among primary care patients. Although there are many effective anxiety interventions of longer formats for use in specialty mental health settings, it can be challenging for Behavioral Health Consultants to translate these interventions to fit the scope and format of Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH). This presentation is designed to increase clinicians’ knowledge and skills regarding evidence-based interventions for anxiety that can be adapted for use in PCBH. The presenter will provide an overview and demonstration of a variety of brief interventions, including psycho-education, relaxation training, acceptance and mindfulness-based techniques, cognitive reframing, exposure, and behavioral activation, and also highlight resources (e.g., handouts, apps) available to enhance clinical practice in PCBH.