Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in Florida, US, has partnered with psychiatric care provider evolvedMD to expand access to behavioural health services.

This initiative will embed licensed social workers and counsellors from evolvedMD in some of Tampa General Medical Group's (TGMG) primary care locations to improve health outcomes and reduce provider burnout while expanding access to behavioural healthcare.

It is evolvedMD's first collaboration with an academic health system in Florida.

Tampa General Hospital vice-president Dr Karna Patel said: "There are so many conversations about the need for mental health care, and we believe that it is imperative to use our resources as an academic health system to bring a solution directly to our patients.

"Primary care is at the heart of patient health and wellness. By focusing our efforts in this setting, we are improving the overall care our patients receive, giving our providers the tools they need to address their patients' health holistically."

Behavioural care providers will work alongside primary care physicians and offer services in consultation with psychiatrists, aiming to identify patients who need more complex care and facilitate referrals.

A care navigator will assist with coordinating treatment plans and resources for follow-up care.

TGMG began expanding its behavioural health programme in October this year, starting with its primary care office in St Petersburg, Florida.

The programme aims to extend to Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, with more locations planned for next year.

evolvedMD CEO Erik Osland said: "As a national leader in behavioural health integration, evolvedMD is excited to partner with an innovative and forward-thinking organisation like Tampa General Hospital that understands that the trusted space of a primary care office is a prime opportunity to work with patients on their behavioural health journey.

"This collaboration is a huge win for the many patients of Tampa General, bringing the reality of holistic wellness closer to home."

"Tampa General Hospital and evolvedMD to expand access to behavioural health services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.