A Systematic Review of Training Strategies to Prepare Counselors for Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare

Abstract

Our systematic review aimed to identify evidenced-based training interventions to prepare counselors and mental health professionals to work in integrated care settings. We utilized the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols (PRISMA-P). Search terms were created that specifically investigated integrated care training interventions involving mental health professionals within the years 2000-2021 from peer-reviewed journals and academic databases. 18 articles were included for our final analysis. A quality analysis on our included studies followed the Mixed Methods Appraisal (MMAT). Following the quality analysis, we developed the following themes from the study results: (a) HRSA-funded studies; (b) skill development; (c) self-efficacy; and (d) interprofessional collaboration. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate the sustainability of integrated care training for counselors. Specifically, how training impacts client therapeutic outcomes and addresses multicultural and social justice competencies.

Keywords:

• Integrated care
• training
• competency development
• counselor education

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander M. Fields

Alexander (Alex) M. Fields is a second-year doctoral candidate studying Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of South Carolina. His research interests include integrated care, client outcome studies, wellness, and improving the access and quality of mental healthcare services for medically underserved populations.

Dr. Kathryn (Katy) Linich is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Duquesne University. Her research interests include grief counseling, grief education, wellness, integrated care, and grief as a part of adjustment to an acquired disability or medical diagnosis.

Cara M. Thompson is a second-year doctoral candidate studying Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include neurobiological implications of counseling, family counseling, adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, and enhancing treatment for traditionally underserved populations.

Madeline Saunders is a first-year doctoral candidate studying Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include college students who have a diagnosed disability, understanding of wellness, autonomy development, and best practices when working alongside this population.

Dr. Shelby K. Gonzales is an Assistant Professor at Boise State University. Her research interests include improving collaboration efforts between school counselors and administrators and school counselor training.

Dr. Dodie Limberg is an Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include school counseling, research identity development of counselors and counseling students, the development of altruism, international school counseling, and wellness.