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

Generating a robust patient referral base from primary care clinics is an i ncreasingly important and challenging task for professional psychologists. This article presents the direct contact model, an innovative system for ge nerating this base without relying solely on traditional physician-initiate d referral mechanisms. The direct contact model functions by (a) allowing p atients 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 mo del in other settings are provided.