Implementing the direct contact model to increase referrals for psychological services in primary care settings.

Generating a robust referral base from primary care clinics is an increasingly important and challenging task for professional psychologists. This article presents the direct contact model, an innovative system for generating this base without relying solely on traditional physician-initiated referral mechanisms. The direct contact model functions by (a) allowing patients direct access to services using the PRIMECARE Questionnaire and (b) having psychology staff take a proactive stance to initiate treatment. The utility of this model is explored, and suggestions for implementing the model in other settings are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)