Have you ever had a suspision that something was wrong with your health? So you go to a doctor to get answers. You sit in their office, the doctor scratches their head, and says, "I don't see anything wrong, but you could see a specialist." So you go to the specialist, and the specialist says, "I think it is an issue with a different part of the body than what I treat. You need to see a doctor that treats that part of the body." So you make the rounds, seeing doctor after doctor for everyone to tell you that you are probably fine, but if the problem persists, check in later. It feels like the problem is somewhere between what each health professional knows.
Integrated care means that there are no gaps between your health care team. The person who prescribes your anti anxiety med works with the person who does your therapy. The person who helps you with your relationships, works with to your OBGYN, where applicable. When one issue connects to another, your doctors and therapists are aware of those transitions and support you in them. Think of how a tapestry is woven. There is no picture or image with threads that run in only one direction. It is in the gaps of one that the other can make sense of the whole picture.
Both mental health and physical health have gaps in care. I am specialized in relational care. I'm not specialized in trauma care or addiction, but that doesn't mean that these issues do not impact your relationships. Your relational wellness is related to your mental wellness. Your mental wellness is related to your physical wellness. And yet, no clinician can be an expert in everything, leaving you with big questions about where the problems actually lie. While I am in private practice, I will gladly develop a relationship with your other care providers. This is done through the exchange of what is called a release of information, or ROI, wherein you designate what information you would like discussed or shared between care providers. Anything not on the form remains confidential. You retain control of how your information is shared. This is an elective choice, it is not required for treatment, though it might be recommended in some cases.
It is my firm belief that all of it matters. True, I can only treat that which I am trained in, but I will not leave the rest up to you. I will help you connect with specialists so that there are no gaps so that you can have an all encompassing vision of health and wellness tailored to you. And if it is helpful, you can request that I coordinate with other health professionals so that there are no gaps in your care. Your health professionals can collaborate to form connections that have previously neglected.
Let me help you be an advocate for your whole health. It can be difficult to separate if physical issues are the primary cause of mental issues or if mental issues are causing your physical issues. Let's figure it out together! If you are seeking counseling in the Grand Junction, and Western Slope areas, I am here to help.
If you are interested in building an integrated care approach to therapy, schedule an appointment today.Â
DD Love, MFTC - (970) 852-0687 - dd@ddlovecounseling.com
Comments