The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association has developed and tested a methodology for Primary Care screening of patients using scientifically validated short screening instruments (2-5 minutes) and using these tools to effect Prevention and Psycho-education interviews, Brief Intervention (using techniques to motivate change), Brief Therapy, or Referral to Specialty Therapy. This system is called SBIRT and allows for the use of several validated screening instruments, and requires follow-through, available referral linkages with specialists as needed, and reimbursement codes have been developed for Medicaid, Medicare, and Insurers.
This module trains the behavioral specialist in the SBIRT method, helps them access approved screening instruments, and prepares them to work in these integrated care systems that hospitals and primary care systems will be developing.
At the end of this module the psychologist will be familure with the screening, prevention, brief intervention, brief therapy, referral and specialty care required components, and the staffing models and available opportunities for psychologists in these systems.