Too often, people seeking help for their health are left to piece together the system themselves. They travel between different providers, seeing one (or more) for a medical issue, another for mental health, and maybe a third for substance use – retelling their story each time. When care is fragmented in this way, important details and connections may be overlooked.
Consider a woman in her late 50s who is struggling to sleep. Like many people, she looks for a solution that feels manageable and discreet. She starts using cannabis edibles at night. At first, they help her relax. But soon she finds herself experiencing intense late-night cravings. She begins overeating foods she normally avoids. Over time, she gains weight and her blood sugar rises.
She visits her primary care physician, where the diabetes markers are addressed. Diet is discussed, and they talk about her sleep issues. But her cannabis use may never enter the conversation, perhaps because of embarrassment or stigma. Without that piece of the story, her health may continue to suffer.
Creating a seamless response
Now imagine a team-based approach. With her consent, her primary care provider shares her information with a behavioral health clinician, based in the office. They explore the idea that stress or anxiety is contributing to insomnia, and she’s asked about substance use, and the cannabis use is discussed. The full picture of her health emerges, and the team can now create a treatment plan that meets her overall goals. No judgment. No unnecessary bureaucracy. Just coordinated care…