Overview of Mental Health Services and Integration in Primary Care: Importance, Strategies, Challenges and Best Practices Models

Abstract

Background: Mental health represents an indispensable and fundamental element within the realm of primary healthcare services, particularly because a significant proportion of mental health disorders are initially recognized and subsequently managed within this specific healthcare context. Primary care providers (PCPs) frequently assume the role of the initial point of contact for individuals who are grappling with various mental health challenges, thereby rendering the primary care setting vital for the processes of early identification, timely intervention, and continuous management of mental health conditions over time. Objective: an overview of the types, diagnosis, and management of Mental Health in Primary Care. Methods: A comprehensive review of Mental Health in Primary Care. The PUBMED and Google Scholar search engines were the main databases used for the search process, with articles collected from 1994 to 2024. Conclusion: Individuals in primary care roles are significant in noticing mental health issues, but they often experience deficiencies in training and available resources. Fusing mental health care with primary healthcare is important for advancing overall health by dealing with mental and physical conditions.