Improving Patient Outcomes Using Behavioral Health Resources | Recording-Improving Patient Outcomes Using Behavioral Health Resources

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The final webinar of the 2025 Diabetes is Primary series focuses on improving patient outcomes through behavioral health resources in diabetes care. Panelists Dr. Lauren Gulley and Dr. Catherine Barnhart-Kelly, experts in diabetes-related behavioral health, discuss the prevalence of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, diabetes-related distress, and burnout—which affect about one in five people with diabetes. They emphasize that these psychosocial issues are common and linked to social determinants like insurance status, education, and exposure to discrimination.<br /><br />Dr. Gulley highlights practical strategies for busy clinics, such as using validated screening tools (PHQ-2, GAD-7, SCOFF) and employing motivational interviewing techniques to sensitively address mental health concerns. She shares resources, including directories for diabetes-expert therapists (ADA, APA, Psychology Today), culturally sensitive options, and bibliotherapy websites. She also cautions about the cautious use of mental health apps.<br /><br />Dr. Barnhart-Kelly broadens the perspective by emphasizing the need for integrated biopsychosocial care that equally addresses physical, mental, and social well-being—citing evidence that poor psychosocial support worsens health outcomes and increases healthcare costs. She introduces innovative clinical tools like Spotlight AQ, which streamlines patient-reported outcome measures linking psychosocial needs with clinical data, improving visit focus and outcomes while reducing provider burnout.<br /><br />Discussion touches on challenges in addressing denial, young adult adherence issues with carb counting, and the critical role of personalized, non-judgmental support tailored to individual readiness and capacity. Both panelists stress offering choice and partnership to empower patients. The session also briefly acknowledges AI's potential role in diabetes behavioral health, emphasizing the need for trustworthy, evidence-based integration.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar underscores the importance of integrating behavioral health into diabetes care through practical screening, empathetic communication, patient-centered tools, and ample resource sharing to enhance outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords

diabetes care

behavioral health

mental health screening

depression in diabetes

anxiety and diabetes

disordered eating

diabetes distress

burnout in diabetes patients

social determinants of health

motivational interviewing

integrated biopsychosocial care

patient-reported outcome measures