Integrated Behavioral Health Consultant Lisa Bomley provides an overview and discusses the importance of Integrated Behavioral Health Care.
Lisa Bomley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has provided Integrated Behavioral Health Consultation services for Gritman Medical Center since August of last year. She is part of a growing behavioral health team throughout the Gritman System.
What is Integrated Behavioral Health Care?
“Integrated Behavioral Health Care is a flexible way of caring for our patients that emphasizes opportunities to improve the accessibility and delivery of behavioral health services in primary care through interdisciplinary collaboration,” she said. “Integrated Behavioral Health Care brings skills and expertise to address the behavioral health needs of our patients and can include scheduled or same-day appointments.”
Appointments are centered around the Brief Solution-Focused model of treatment and are meant to be short-term. Examples of referrals include problems related to stress, anxiety/fears, depression, anger, relationship issues, grief/bereavement, chronic illness management, or new medical diagnosis.
This program is run through Gritman’s Moscow Family Medicine Downtown clinic, but Lisa also provides support for patients who are being treated at our Moscow Family Medicine Westside and QuickCARE clinics.
During a typical day, Lisa will meet with patients as part of their primary care visit and will also hold individual therapeutic sessions. “I enjoy sitting with people and hearing their stories. I love to provide people with skills to live their lives with control, peace, and dignity,” she said. “Letting people know they are seen, heard and valued is important to me. I want people to feel they can trust the team that cares for them and it is an honor to be a part of that team.”
The team Lisa primarily works with includes providers and staff at our Moscow Family Medicine Downtown clinic. She describes them as kind, devoted and patient-centered. “It is a fun and welcoming environment from the front desk staff to the providers. I enjoy the recent expansion of behavioral health at the clinic and the rich learning environment and expertise from Caren Cox, LCPC, and Gwen Mitchell, Ph.D.,” she said.
Behavioral Health During the Holidays
Behavioral health is particularly important during certain times of the year, including the holiday season. The time of year surrounding the holidays can be challenging for some in the community who are facing grief or mental health.
“Mental health and grief can be more difficult to manage over the holidays due to the different demands on our time and emotions,” she said. “Anniversaries of deaths, diagnoses, traumatic events or even celebrations can also increase our need for additional support from others.”
For those who may experience grief and/or mental health challenges during the holiday season, Lisa offers recommendations.
“Give yourself grace and space,” she said. “Be gentle with yourself and allow time for your feelings. Remembering your loved one in spiritual rituals like lighting a candle or saying a prayer at your place of worship can give you a place to honor them. Have a backup plan. If you have plans to attend a large family dinner and it suddenly does not feel right, it’s OK to cancel. It is important to focus on things you can control. Maintain healthy routines of eating, sleeping, and activity during times of increased stress. Staying connected to your loved ones and your supportive community can help improve your mood and give you a sense of belonging. Ask for help from your primary care provider, clergy, or mental health professional if needed. If you are in a mental health crisis or are beginning to have suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline – 988 – or go to the nearest emergency department for help.”
Lisa began working at Gritman so she could start the Integrated Behavioral Health Program. “I believe having better access to behavioral health is a valuable and highly needed resource for people. Previous colleagues were employed and had kind words about the culture here so it felt like a good fit for me,” she said.
Access to Behavioral Health Services
Gritman clinic patients can access Integrated Behavioral Health Services by contacting their primary care provider – or through an in-person request during an office visit.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons, going camping, traveling and attending sporting events. “I love to sing at my church and often perform the National Anthem at Lewis-Clark State College events,” she said. “Creating craft projects with my friends and nieces also gives me great joy and fun memories.”
Thank you, Lisa, for joining our Gritman Family and helping to provide Integrated Behavioral Health Consultation services to our patients.
