Talks
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Undergraduate
Academic Level (Author 1)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 1)
Family Medicine
Academic Level (Author 2)
Staff
Discipline/Specialty (Author 2)
Family Medicine
Academic Level (Author 3)
Staff
Discipline/Specialty (Author 3)
Family Medicine
Academic Level (Author 4)
Staff
Discipline/Specialty (Author 4)
Family Medicine
Academic Level (Author 5)
Staff
Discipline/Specialty (Author 5)
Family Medicine
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Discipline Track
Patient Care
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Purpose: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) faces significant socio-economic challenges, with 35.6% of residents living in poverty and uninsured rates as high as 40%. Each year, approximately 260,000 residents experience mild to moderate behavioral health conditions. Behavioral health care in the region is particularly scarce, with only 30.1 mental health providers per 100,000 compared to the statewide average of 72.7. Furthermore, approximately 90.5% of the population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, so culturally relevant interventions are critical. The Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS) Initiative addresses these disparities by 1) developing a PCBH model tailored to university-affiliated healthcare training programs, 2) enhancing addiction and behavioral health training in primary care, and 3) creating wellness programs for healthcare trainees. Through workforce development and integrated whole-person care, PCBH PATHS advances health equity by improving access to behavioral health services and addressing disparities in underserved populations in the RGV.
Description: PCBH PATHS is a workforce development initiative that trains healthcare professionals in the evidence-based primary care behavioral health (PCBH) treatment model to address critical healthcare disparities in underserved populations. This team-based, population-health approach equips primary care teams to manage biopsychosocial health conditions. Further, the PCBH model is particularly vital for addressing health disparities prevalent in Hispanic/Latino populations along the US-Mexico border such as diabetes, depression, pain management, and substance use disorders. Since 2019, the PCBH model has been implemented in Family Medicine (FM) and Ob/Gyn residency programs to expand access to whole-health services and educationally to improve physician competencies in delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care. The initiative has impacted thousands of patients and 134 trainees, including 83 FM residents, 28 Ob/Gyn residents, and 23 mental health trainees. PCBH PATHS has successfully integrated PCBH into medical residency and clinical training programs through leadership engagement, clinic readiness assessments, workflow mapping, and adapted training modules. The ongoing expansion of PCBH across UTRGV primary and specialty care clinics strengthens culturally relevant, holistic care, reduces stigma, promotes early intervention, and fosters widespread adoption of evidence-based behavioral health interventions for historically underserved populations. Lessons learned highlight the importance of culturally tailored approaches as essential factors for successful behavioral health integration for underserved populations.
Partners: PCBH PATHS has been a collaborative effort between UTRGV residency programs and leadership. Community partners include three Area Health Education Center Primary Care Clinics located across the RGV. These partners have ensured program sustainability, alignment with community needs, and the development of a skilled and culturally competent workforce.
Looking Ahead: PCBH PATHS has demonstrated significant potential to improve health outcomes for underserved populations in the RGV. Future directions include scaling the PCBH model to additional clinics, evaluating its impact on patient outcomes and trainee development, and fostering a culture of integrated care.
Recommended Citation
George, Deepu; Garza, JoAnna; Hernandez, Maria G.; Cantu Cazares, Yvette K.; Perez, Monica C.; Cantu Cazares, Yvette K.; and Perez, Mayrin A., "Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS): An Initiative to Address Health Disparities and Promote Equitable Care in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV)" (2025). Research Symposium. 17.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/talks/17
Included in
Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS): An Initiative to Address Health Disparities and Promote Equitable Care in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV)
Purpose: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) faces significant socio-economic challenges, with 35.6% of residents living in poverty and uninsured rates as high as 40%. Each year, approximately 260,000 residents experience mild to moderate behavioral health conditions. Behavioral health care in the region is particularly scarce, with only 30.1 mental health providers per 100,000 compared to the statewide average of 72.7. Furthermore, approximately 90.5% of the population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, so culturally relevant interventions are critical. The Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS) Initiative addresses these disparities by 1) developing a PCBH model tailored to university-affiliated healthcare training programs, 2) enhancing addiction and behavioral health training in primary care, and 3) creating wellness programs for healthcare trainees. Through workforce development and integrated whole-person care, PCBH PATHS advances health equity by improving access to behavioral health services and addressing disparities in underserved populations in the RGV.
Description: PCBH PATHS is a workforce development initiative that trains healthcare professionals in the evidence-based primary care behavioral health (PCBH) treatment model to address critical healthcare disparities in underserved populations. This team-based, population-health approach equips primary care teams to manage biopsychosocial health conditions. Further, the PCBH model is particularly vital for addressing health disparities prevalent in Hispanic/Latino populations along the US-Mexico border such as diabetes, depression, pain management, and substance use disorders. Since 2019, the PCBH model has been implemented in Family Medicine (FM) and Ob/Gyn residency programs to expand access to whole-health services and educationally to improve physician competencies in delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care. The initiative has impacted thousands of patients and 134 trainees, including 83 FM residents, 28 Ob/Gyn residents, and 23 mental health trainees. PCBH PATHS has successfully integrated PCBH into medical residency and clinical training programs through leadership engagement, clinic readiness assessments, workflow mapping, and adapted training modules. The ongoing expansion of PCBH across UTRGV primary and specialty care clinics strengthens culturally relevant, holistic care, reduces stigma, promotes early intervention, and fosters widespread adoption of evidence-based behavioral health interventions for historically underserved populations. Lessons learned highlight the importance of culturally tailored approaches as essential factors for successful behavioral health integration for underserved populations.
Partners: PCBH PATHS has been a collaborative effort between UTRGV residency programs and leadership. Community partners include three Area Health Education Center Primary Care Clinics located across the RGV. These partners have ensured program sustainability, alignment with community needs, and the development of a skilled and culturally competent workforce.
Looking Ahead: PCBH PATHS has demonstrated significant potential to improve health outcomes for underserved populations in the RGV. Future directions include scaling the PCBH model to additional clinics, evaluating its impact on patient outcomes and trainee development, and fostering a culture of integrated care.
