At La Clinica, we care for the whole person through their whole life. Behavioral health is about the link between our behavior and the health of our body, mind, and spirit. We offer behavioral health and wellness services as part of primary care and at school health centers. This is part of our whole-health approach to helping people live full and healthy lives.
Primary Care Services
Integrated Behavioral Health Clinicians
La Clinica’s behavioral health clinicians have advanced training to be part of a primary care team that supports patients’ mental health, wellness, and quality of life.
- They share their expertise with primary care providers.
- They help patients set goals and make plans to improve their health.
- They work with patients on mental health, substance use, and life challenges.
- They connect patients to specialty mental health or substance use care when needed.
Their services are available wherever La Clinica provides medical care. Patients can get this help at a regular medical appointment or schedule it separately. Patients may achieve their goals in one appointment or follow up over several appointments.
Behavioral Health Support Specialists
On our primary care teams, behavioral health support specialists work alongside patients on their health goals.
- They help patients navigate the healthcare system. They are skilled at connecting and coordinating with specialty mental health and substance use treatment providers in the community.
- They support patients in setting and working toward personal health and wellness goals.
- They may join medical appointments with patients or meet with patients separately.
- They connect patients to wellness classes and workshops offered through The Learning Well, La Clinica’s learning and support service.
- They connect patients with our team of community resource specialists who link people with agencies and organizations that help with food, shelter, transportation, and other basic needs.
Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric providers at La Clinica help patients and primary care providers decide if medication for a mental health condition is the right treatment. They can write prescriptions and monitor how medication is working. La Clinica’s team includes psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. If needed, our psychiatric providers can refer patients to mental health services outside La Clinica.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
La Clinica is proud to offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder as part of our primary care. Patients work with their primary care provider and behavioral health team members. Together, they set up a plan that can include medication, therapy, coaching, and other resources.
Dental Care Services
Behavioral Health Support Specialists
At our dental care sites, behavioral health support specialists offer in-the-moment support to patients with concerns about dental procedures or help with other challenges in life.
- They provide coaching and support for life’s stresses and challenges.
- They coordinate care when patients need to access specialty mental health and substance use care in the community.
- They connect patients with our team of community resource specialists who link people with agencies and organizations that help with food, shelter, transportation, and other basic needs.
School-Based Health Centers
Behavioral Health Clinicians
La Clinica’s school-based behavioral health clinicians specialize in ongoing mental health care for youth. They provide individual, family, and group therapy to kids ages 5-18 who are enrolled in school. Services are available by referral and are provided both in person and virtually.
Behavioral Health Support Specialists
Behavioral health support specialists in our school-based health centers support children and families getting therapy. They are also known as skills trainers.
- They work in classrooms and across campus.
- They guide kids working toward mental health goals. They help kids practice skills learned in therapy: calming themselves, adapting to change and coping with tough emotions.
- They connect families to our team of community resource specialists for help with basic needs.