Publication Date
Fall 2025
Document Type
Poster
Primary Faculty (Chairperson)
Dr. Denise Ogorek
Secondary Faculty
Dr. Carol Kottwitz
Abstract
Background: Mental health issues are not unique to Eastern Montana, in February 2021 there were 44,000 adults in Montana diagnosed with a serious mental illness (NAMI,2021). Access to mental health services in Eastern Montana is challenging due to the number of small rural towns that have a significant distance between them. There is an insufficient number of mental health providers and counselors to cover this large geographical area, significantly impacting access to mental health services. In an attempt to impact mental health access, primary care clinics are integrating these services into an integrated mental health model.
Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to evaluate a recently (March 2024) implemented integrated mental health model in a Montana rural health clinic.
Methods: This scholarly project completed a program evaluation, using the Centers for Disease Control (CDCs) program evaluation framework, on a recently implemented integrated behavioral health model, utilizing an observational method by a retrospective chart review of de-identified data. A Likert scale survey, utilizing a convenience sample of staff and providers was completed.
Findings: The findings from this program evaluation (March 2024 through February 2025) included patients (n=85) ranging in age from 4 through 81, more females than males, and the majority of patients had Medicaid or private insurance and the total number of initial and follow-up visits was 410. Time to initial appointment from provider/agency or self-referred and most patient follow-up appointments were in the provider recommended time frame, no-show and cancellation rates were higher than that for medical appointments, but not higher than national average for mental health which can be up to 60%. There was not a statistical significance in number of mental health diagnoses for emergency department (ED) when compared to post implementation of the integrated mental health model. Staff satisfaction of this model revealed a mode or 5 or mostly satisfied; the open-ended theme response was more mental health clinicians were needed for this rural clinic.
Implications for practice: The implications for practice for this model supported improved access to care for mental health needs. The greatest implication for practice is the need to expand this model.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Rickett, Shelley, "A Program Evaluation of an Integrated Mental Health Model in a Rural Primary Care Clinic" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 10.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing_dnp/10
Research Paper