How does primary care contribute to integrated healthcare?

Primary care plays a vital role in integrated healthcare by collaborating with mental health services to provide comprehensive care. This integration allows for a more holistic approach to patient health, considering both physical and mental health needs. When primary care providers and mental health professionals work together, they can address the full spectrum of a patient's health challenges, leading to better outcomes through coordinated treatment plans, shared information, and a unified approach to patient care.

This collaboration is essential because many individuals experience both physical and mental health issues that can impact each other. For instance, untreated mental health conditions can lead to physical health problems, and vice versa. By fostering teamwork between primary care and mental health services, providers can ensure that all aspects of a person's health are being addressed in a cohesive manner, facilitating shared decision-making and continuity of care.

The other options highlight limitations or narrow focuses that do not align with the principles of integrated healthcare, making them less effective in providing comprehensive support for patients.