Integrated Behavioral Health Services

Intended for all Medical Center patients who may benefit from additional behavioral health resources, this program ensures seamless collaboration between your primary or specialty care provider and our behavioral health team.

Our multidisciplinary team—including licensed behavioral health clinicians, social workers, and certified health coaches—conducts timely assessments, provides brief evidence-based interventions, and connects patients with community resources as needed. Integrated Behavioral Health supports patients in achieving improved health outcomes, enhanced coping strategies, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Integrated Behavioral Health is open to any San Mateo Medical Center patient whose care may benefit from added emotional or lifestyle support—whether for stress management, coping with chronic illness, or developing healthy habits. Referrals are made directly by your medical provider during a clinic visit. Once submitted, our Behavioral Health Coordinator will contact you to arrange an initial consultation.

Eligibility

Patients receiving primary or specialty care at San Mateo Medical Center may be referred to Integrated Behavioral Health Services when they:

• Are experiencing emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, grief) that affects their medical care
• Have difficulty managing a chronic health condition due to lifestyle factors or behavioral challenges
• Need support developing healthy habits (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management)
• Request additional counseling or coaching as part of their overall treatment plan

Referrals can be made by your medical provider during any clinic visit. Once a referral is placed, our Behavioral Health Coordinator will reach out to schedule an initial consultation.

What We Offer

Health Coaching & Lifestyle Programs

• Brief Counseling & Therapy: Short-term, goal-focused sessions to address mood, stress, and coping strategies.
• Health Coaching: One-on-one support for lifestyle changes such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, and sleep hygiene.
• Care Coordination: Assistance navigating medical and social services, including connection to community resources.
• Psychoeducation & Skill-Building: Workshops and materials on stress reduction techniques, mindfulness, and chronic disease self-management.

Therapeutic Interventions

• Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Short-term, evidence-based therapy focused on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to anxiety, depression and stress.
• Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative counseling style that helps you find the motivation to make positive changes in health behaviors, such as smoking cessation or increasing physical activity.
• Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation: Guided sessions using biofeedback devices to teach you how to regulate physiological responses (heart rate, muscle tension) for relief from migraines, tension headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia and stress-related symptoms.

For more information, please visit the Resource Library below.