A Primary Mental Health Care Model for Advanced Practicum Training in a University Health Clinic

University health centers provide an opportune setting in which psychology graduate students can obtain training in integrated primary care (IPC). The purpose of this article is to describe an advanced practicum experience for psychology doctoral students, who serve as integrated behavioral health providers (BHPs) in a university primary care clinic. First, we describe aspects of our IPC practicum, including planning and development; the theoretical model; implementation of behavioral health screening; structure of patient visits; use of evidence-based practice; management of risky patients; communication with specialty mental health and primary care providers (PCPs); issues related to practicum eligibility, training, and supervision; evaluations; and program maintenance. Then we report on characteristics of 347 patients seen by BHPs over 3 semesters; the most common reasons for referral were sleep, depression, and anxiety. Lastly, we surveyed 7 graduate students who completed the practicum to obtain their views on aspects of the training experience; students reported that they developed new skills and would recommend the practicum to others. Our experience suggests that an IPC practicum in a university health center has the potential to benefit psychology graduate students, primary care providers (PCPs), and patients.