PeaceHealth is a non-profit health system with hospital, critical care centers, primary care and specialty care clinics located in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

The behavioral health service line includes a continuum of services beginning with integrated behavioral health treatment in primary care clinics, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient group treatment, emergency psychiatric services in the emergency department, and inpatient care.

MSW placements are available in integrated behavioral health (IBH) in our Bellingham family medicine and internal medicine clinics.  The IBH program uses the University of Washington AIMS Center- Collaborative Care model to provide brief and short-term treatment for patients referred to the program through their primary care provider (PCP). Patients are referred with a variety of behavioral health concerns. The majority of patients present to the clinic with mild to moderate depression or anxiety and can benefit from brief intervention- typically 6-8 sessions. The IBH program primarily serves adults 18+. The Collaborative Care team includes the patient's primary care provider, the behavioral health clinician (can be MSW intern), and a psychiatric consultant.

To learn more about the Collaborative Care model: https://aims.uw.edu/

All patient outcomes are tracked in a registry to measure progress overtime and to augment treatment as needed. Quality metrics are compiled in the registry and students will have the opportunity to engage in program improvement efforts around these metrics. Additionally, collaboration with the medical team and the IBH team is central to this role.

Students will have the opportunity to be involved in program implementation, improvement efforts, and practice and/or policy review and development. Macro projects will be determined based on the interests of the student and needs of the IBH program or clinic.

Engagement skills with clients. Understanding of assessment and basic knowledge of DSM 5 diagnoses. Basic understanding of goal setting and treatment planning with patients. Willingness to work with a team and to learn new clinical skills.

None required- all are welcome!

Please reach out to Madison Novacek mnovacek@peacehealth.org to indicate interest and inquire about opportunities.