Health Psychology and Clinical Care
Expert Mental Health Providers Seamlessly Integrated into Your Care Team
Patients whose emotional and behavioral health needs are addressed often have better outcomes and a greater sense of control over their circumstances. Yet, mental health can be an afterthought of medical treatment unless a patient already participates in therapy. Patients are treated by a primary care provider and several specialists without ever speaking to a mental health provider who can support the psychosocial factors of a disease.
At UChicago Medicine, we recognize that mental health is health. Health psychologists are an integrated part of the multidisciplinary care team.
Hospital Bedside Therapy
Health psychologists work onsite at UChicago Medicine hospitals, supporting patients with bedside therapy services during extended stays. Patients who need additional support are connected with mental health providers.
Integrated Clinics
Health psychologists at UChicago Medicine work in many different areas of healthcare, supporting the patient journey. Health psychologists are an integrated part of the care team in the following departments:
- Center for weight and metabolic health
- Oncology
- Pain medicine services
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
- Organ transplant
The Health Psychology program at UChicago Medicine continues to grow.
Group Therapy Programming
Many patients benefit from group programming led by expert health psychologists. Participants are supported and motivated by other patients experiencing similar challenges and working toward the same goals.
Group programs can vary from one session to weekly or monthly sessions. New groups are continuously launched based on patient interest.
Some health psychology programs include the following:
- Cancer and intimacy
- Chronic pain
- Postpartum support
- Binge eating cognitive behavior therapy
- Mindfulness
- Grief support
- Sexual health
- Managing gastrointestinal illness
- Smoking cessation
