Seeking Professional Help

Abstract

In the Pathways Model, Level Three treatment planning calls for the use of health professionals for specific interventions. Finding a reliable, skilled professional to deliver a specialized intervention is a challenge. Physicians and pastors can often provide a referral. Physicians and behavioral health professionals can also coach patients to become active well-informed consumers of health-care services. Patients can learn to use online search pages to find specialists for therapies such as clinical hypnosis, biofeedback, acceptance and commitment therapy, life and health coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness training. Communication skills also can assist patients to verify provider skills and training, and to take an active role in treatment planning.