Closing the game: how behavioral health consultants secure patient wellbeing

In his role as a behavioral health consultant (BHC), Tulio Ortega compares himself to a closing pitcher in baseball, stepping in to secure the win for patients at the CoxHealth Ozark Super Clinic after they’ve seen their provider.

Tulio first joined the Ozark team as part of his education, completing the Integrative Health Care Track in partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health during the final year of his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program through Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The team also welcomed Flor Valdes, also completing the Integrative Health Care Track with Burrell, as a Behavioral Health Consultant. She is completing the final year of her PhD program through Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

In their roles, Tulio and Flor work with providers and other colleagues to ensure that patients get coordinated care and support to overcome any obstacles that might hinder their health improvements.

For example, a patient might come in for a check-up regarding their medication but mention difficulties maintaining a regular medication schedule due to recent personal changes, such as starting a new job, taking on family responsibilities or moving. The BHC steps in, offering supportive advocacy and counseling to help the patient identify and address the barriers preventing them from staying consistent with their care.

“We often find that many patients have behavioral health needs that affect their chronic disease states and overall wellbeing,” says Dr. Julie Settle, a physician at the CoxHealth Ozark Super Clinic.

Dr. Settle says that the addition of BHC’s to the Ozark Super Clinic’s care team has positively impacted patients by allowing multiple avenues to address patients’ needs.

“We’re seeing patients make real changes that impact both their physical health and overall perspective on their role in their medical care,” says Dr. Settle. “For our patients with emotional needs, like coping with grief, anxiety or stress, we can connect patients with someone the same day to help explore those concerns and provide additional support. I’m so thankful that we can deliver this kind of holistic care right here at our clinic.”

Accessibility is a central theme in the work that BHC’s do.

“I can cross the hall to pediatrics, and then cross back to see a 60-year-old patient,” says Tulio. “In my role, I can help just about anyone with any behavioral health need – whether it's a one-time consult or connecting them with longer-term resources.”

By helping patients tackle personal hurdles, BHC’s make sure that every visit to the clinic translates into meaningful, lasting improvements in their health and well-being.

As Tulio puts it, the role of a BHC is like that of a closing pitcher - stepping in to protect the progress made during a patient’s visit. We are thrilled to have him and Flor on our team and to see the positive impact they are making with our patients!