Tell Me Where It Hurts: Assessing Mental and Relational Health in Primary Care Using A Biopsychosocial Assessment Intervention

The costs of failing to diagnose or treat psychosocial issues can be dramatic. We suggest that psychosocial assessments should be integrated into routine primary care. Results from a recent study are described in which 60% of patients approached were willing to complete a biopsychosocial assessment battery. Of those who completed the survey (N = 125), 46% met criteria for further mental health assessment; only 18% of the sample had a mental health diagnosis listed in their medical record. We conclude that a psychosocial assessment intervention in primary care has the potential to increase provider awareness of biopsychosocial concerns. Clinical implications, including the unique ability of family therapists to provide the care indicated by the assessment intervention, are discussed.