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Behavioral Health Laboratory

Referral Management, Depression

Referral Management is designed to improve low rates of referral compliance among patients with depression by providing clinical support and promoting problem-solving skills for patients in need of behavioral health treatment. Motivational interview techniques were adapted to create the Referral Management model aimed at increasing motivation and reducing barriers associated with behavioral treatment. The Referral Management intervention model is presented in a concise and brief manner, by a trained Behavioral Health Specialist, to: a) discuss depression, b) discuss personal consequences of depressive symptoms, and c) determine a treatment plan to manage depressive symptoms. Each phase is guided by a structured workbook, which is first used by the presenting specialist to structure the interview and then provided to the patients for their own review.