CME Article

Psychoeducation’s Role in Integrated Health Care

Karen A. Landwehr, LMHC, MC; Larry S. Baker, MDiv

  • Psychiatric Annals
  • June 2012 - Volume 42 · Issue 6: 219-225
  • DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20120606-05
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Abstract

CME Educational Objectives

  1. Gain an overview of the historical development of psychoeducation programs.
  2. Become knowledgeable about the roles of peer specialists and mental health professionals in providing psychoeducation to consumers and family members.
  3. Understand the inherent rewards and obstacles to developing an integrated wellness education program.

As health care continues to integrate behavioral health with medical treatment, the role of psychoeducation in this larger spectrum of care must be addressed. Green, Kreuter, Partridge, and Deeds1 defined health education as “any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate voluntary adaptions of behavior conducive to health.” Health education programs may focus primarily on a specific acute medical condition or on helping individuals diagnosed improve their overall health or manage chronic conditions. They tend to be relatively short, lasting anywhere from 1 or 2 hours to several hours over 8 or 10 weeks. Often health education programs include biological information about an illness, its symptoms, suggestions for symptom management and opportunities for self-assessment. Illness specific support groups may also be offered, facilitated by a health educator or a trained peer.

AUTHORS

Karen A. Landwehr, LMHC, MC, is President, Therapeutic Education Association; Director of Curriculum Development, Directions in Education, Training and Consultation; and Clinical Supervisor, Tacoma Behavioral Health Clinic, Sea Mar Community Health Centers. Larry S. Baker, MDiv, is Treasurer, Therapeutic Education Association; Director of Training, Directions in Education, Training and Consultation; Lecturer, Human Social Functioning; and Member, British Association of Social Functioning, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Disclosure: The authors have received a grant (payable to their institution) from the United Way and Optum Health to conduct psychoeducation programs.

Address correspondence to: Karen A. Landwehr, LMHC, MC, 6820 S. Huson Street, Tacoma, WA 98409; email: klandwehr@hotmail.com

doi: 10.3928/00485713-20120606-05

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