How do family physicians typically approach mental health?

Family physicians typically adopt a comprehensive approach to mental health that includes assessing and managing mental health conditions while also coordinating care with specialists when necessary. This strategy allows them to provide holistic care for their patients, addressing both physical and mental health needs within the primary care setting.

Family physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing mental health issues, and they are trained to recognize, diagnose, and initiate treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. In many cases, they can effectively manage conditions like anxiety and depression through therapy, counseling, or medication management. However, when the situation requires specialized intervention—such as in cases of severe mental illness or complex psychiatric disorders—they facilitate referrals to mental health specialists.

This collaborative approach not only ensures that patients receive the necessary support but also enhances the continuity of care, allowing family physicians to remain involved in the patient's overall health journey. This contrasts with the other options, which suggest either an overly narrow focus on medication, immediate referrals that bypass the doctor-patient relationship, or inadequate assessments that could result in missed diagnoses.