Behavioral Health at the Center for Women's Health
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”- World Health Organization
Integrative medicine can help women achieve well-being across the lifespan, as supported by rich research spanning decades. There are many things women can do every day to promote healthy living and aging.
Lifestyle changes such as improvements in diet and exercise, sleep behavior, and developing mindfulness -- a skill to live in the moment without judgment -- can be beneficial to wellness, disease prevention and improved health at any age.
Whether you are interested in developing skills for improved wellness, disease prevention, or you are coping with a medical or mental health condition, integrative approaches can help. Our skilled, knowledgeable and relatable behavioral health consultants at St. Charles Center for Women's Health are available. Talk to your provider about scheduling an appointment today.
What is the Behavioral Health Consultant?
Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) services at St. Charles Center for Women's Health are offered to you as part of your obstetrics and gynecological services. This service is meant to complement your care by helping you gain a more holistic perspective of your issue(s) and develop skills to improve your management of stress, worry, lifestyle habits or emotional concerns about obstetric or gynecological issues. Screening may also be offered prior to surgical procedures to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.
The BHC and your OB/GYN provider work together as a team to consider the medical, behavioral and emotional aspects of your health to help you determine a course of action that will work best for you.
What kind of concerns can a behavioral health consultant help me address?
The BHC can help reduce symptoms associated with various OB/GYN conditions, or help you cope with these conditions. A few of these conditions are:
- Perimenopause or menopause
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Sexual function concerns
- Management of STDs
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Infertility
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- High blood pressure
- Recurrent abdominal pain
- Pregnancy and post-partum related concerns
- Intimate partner violence
- Obesity and weight loss
- Sleep issues
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- LGBT and gender identification
- Smoking/tobacco cessation
The BHC can also help you develop skills to effectively manage emotional or behavioral difficulties that affect your health, pregnancy, relationships and/or parenting such as: Anger, anxiety, bereavement/grief, depression and stress.
What should I expect when I see the behavioral health consultant?
Your BHC will spend 15 to 30 minutes with you. You will be asked specific questions about your physical symptoms, emotional concerns, health history and behaviors. This evaluation will help determine what kind of care you may need. You may continue to see the BHC until your concern is resolved, or the BHC may make other recommendations.
