Understanding Health Talk in Behavioral Health Encounters: A Qualitative Analysis

This study describes the frequency and type of health talk occurring within integrated behavioral health sessions, and explores how this talk function s within ongoing therapeutic work. Participants in this study included 51 dyads of clinical social workers (n = 13) and clients (n = 51) receiving therapy within an integrated community health and behavioral health center. Therapy sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content anal ysis determined the frequency and content of health talk in sessions. Thematic analysis was used to understand the function of health talk within these visits. Health talk occurred in 92% (n = 47) of sessions. Clients initiated the majority of discussions. Talk about sleep (40%, n = 19), die t/exercise (35%, n = 16), and chronic health conditions (28%, n = 13) were most common. Health talk eithercomplimented orconflicted with therapeutic work, depending on the topic discussed and when it occurred during session. Health talkchanged the scope of therapeutic work by integrating care coordination into routine practice. Health talk was pervasive and was frequently initiated by clients, signaling its relevance to clients ’ recovery. Providers leveraged heath talk to complement their therapeutic work, but these strategies were not universally applied. Care coordination activities were a part of routine therapy. Practice and policy changes that support a more interdisciplinary approach to clinical work are needed.
Source: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research