(1) Department of Psychology/MS 298, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada;(2) Department of Psychology/MS 298, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, 89557
Abstract:
The role of psychologists in medical settings is evolving to include the development, delivery, and evaluation of psychosocial treatments for individuals who use disproportionate amounts of medical services. The primary purpose of this article is to present a model of psychological factors that drive health care utilization. A stepped care model of treatment delivery is also discussed along with a brief literature review depicting the impact of treatment approaches on high utilizing populations. This article concludes with recommendations for psychologists interested in providing treatment to medical utilizers.
