Mental health delivery in primary care: The perspectives of primary care providers

Purpose: To explore perspectives of primary care providers (PCPs), including physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs), about delivery of mental health care in primary care settings. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive designed convenience sample of physicians (N = 12) and NPs (N = 14) through face-to-face interviews in New York State. Results: Three themes emerged: 1) prioritization of patient needs; 2) applicability of mental health care in primary care settings; and 3) physician and NP approaches to mental health care. Conclusions: PCPs recognized importance of addressing patients' mental health care needs and barriers in primary care practices.