The Benefits of an Integrated Care Model: Psychiatrist Careers

The Sagent Behavioral Health provider consulted for this article on the integrated care model is Kathlyn Bergeron, Psychiatric Provider and Director of Nursing.  

If you are a psychiatrist or studying to become one, you most likely are entering this career field with a passion for helping others. The practice of psychiatry requires an extensive knowledge of mental health conditions, medication considerations, treatment plans, and the ability to build meaningful and trusting relationships with patients during their care journey.  

However, psychiatry can also come with a variety of unexpected tasks that have little to do with clinical care. Billing, scheduling, and other administrative tasks can take you away from the main reason you got into this field to begin with.  

For psychiatrists looking for a different approach, organizations that offer an integrated care model can provide the opportunity to focus more on patients while working alongside a team of other behavioral health care professionals.  

At Sagent, psychiatrists and therapists work together in a multidisciplinary environment to support the whole patient. Let's break down what an integrated care model is and how working within such an environment can help your career flourish while also changing lives for the better.  

What is an Integrated Care Model? 

Healthcare systems and organizations can be difficult to navigate, especially if a patient could benefit from support in multiple behavioral health services. An integrated care model brings together different behavioral health areas like therapy and psychiatry under one roof. In doing so, a patient doesn't have to navigate separate providers, businesses, and systems on their own. 

This can mean that a psychiatrist will work closely with a therapist or other healthcare providers who are already providing care for the patient. Instead of operating in isolation, this care team can see the whole person, collaborate on treatment plans, and approach care from complementary perspectives.  

This model makes it more seamless for patients to access a wide range of care options. It also helps create a more connected clinical experience for providers. 

Why to Consider Psychiatrist Jobs in an Integrated Care Model

Choosing where to practice is a big decision. While compensation and location are important, it is also important to choose the structure of your clinical work. For psychiatrists, an integrated care setting has multiple advantages.  

Work Alongside Therapists  

Mental health doesn't always fit into a single specialty. Many times, having the ability to offer individualized and collaborative care can be impactful and lead to better outcomes.  

This collaboration with therapists makes it easier to coordinate care, share clinical perspectives, and help patients access the services they need without having to go elsewhere or navigate the systems alone.  

Gain Clinical Time with Patients 

Psychiatrists spend years in school and training to develop their clinical expertise, and your time is valuable once you start being able to see and care for patients.  

While some administrative work is part of any healthcare job, working under a supportive care model allows for some of that burden to be lifted. With dedicated teams helping manage operational needs, psychiatrists can spend less time navigating administrative processes and more time engaging with patients. 

Better Support Can Mean Better Patient Care 

Working within an integrated care model shouldn't just be about making your workday easier. Better support within the entire care system can lead to better patient care and better patient outcomes. 

When a psychiatrist can focus on the patient in front of them, they can devote more attention to understanding symptoms, reviewing treatment progress, discussing medication options, and identifying when additional support may be appropriate. 

An integrated care model also allows for referrals and collaborative care to happen more seamlessly. Noticing when a referral is necessary for a different service and being able to refer directly within your organization can make the process smoother and more predictable for your patient. 

What Does This Look Like as a Psychiatrist at Sagent?  

At Sagent, psychiatrists are part of a larger behavioral health team rather than practicing in isolation. That means you can bring your clinical expertise to patient care while relying on organizational support for many of the responsibilities involved in running a practice. 

Sagent's current career model emphasizes a collaborative team environment, flexible scheduling, work-life balance, professional growth, and support from other clinical and administrative professionals. There are also monthly consultations across service lines at each clinic, and smooth collaboration through our EHR to message and review feedback.  

The goal is to allow you to continue providing excellent psychiatric care while our Sagent team provides the infrastructure necessary to support you and your caseload. 

Is an Integrated Care Model Right for You? 

An integrated care model may be a strong fit if you are a psychiatrist who wants to: 

• Spend more of your time focused on clinical care 

• Collaborate closely with therapists and other behavioral health professionals 

• Provide more connected care for patients 

• Reduce the administrative responsibilities of running a practice 

• Have support with billing, scheduling, and practice operations 

• Maintain flexibility in your schedule 

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team 

You entered the field of psychiatry to help people. Let our team at Sagent help you succeed in that goal by providing the necessary support behind the scenes and through a collaborative team environment.  

Build Your Psychiatry Career at Sagent 

Choosing your next psychiatry position should also be influenced by how you want to practice medicine. At Sagent Behavioral Health, you can join a collaborative behavioral health organization where psychiatrists work alongside therapists and other professionals while receiving the operational support needed to practice effectively.  

Check out our open psychiatry positions today at Sagent Behavioral Health and start the path towards a rewarding career in behavioral healthcare. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Integrated Care Model  

What are the benefits of an integrated care model for psychiatrists?
An integrated care model can give psychiatrists more opportunities to collaborate with therapists and other behavioral health professionals while providing operational support for responsibilities such as billing, scheduling, and practice management. 

How do psychiatrists and therapists collaborate in an integrated care setting?
Psychiatrists and therapists can communicate patient care, share clinical perspectives, and coordinate treatment plans. At Sagent, providers can also collaborate through the EHR and participate in monthly consultations across service lines. 

Is an integrated care model right for every psychiatrist?
Every psychiatrist has different preferences for how they want to practice. An integrated care setting may appeal to psychiatrists who value collaboration with other behavioral health professionals, want operational support, and prefer to work within a multidisciplinary team.