More than half of all depression is treated in primary care practices. Primary care physicians place a high priority on recognizing and treating patients suffering from depression, but the obstacles to optimal care are formidable. Excellent depression care is more achievable with a well-developed system in place. Aetna Depression Management is just such a system.

This system relies on a unique team approach. The team members include:

Primary Care Physicians
In Aetna Depression Management, it is the primary care physician’s role to enable and reinforce innovative strategies to enhance depression care in his or her practice.

Primary Care Office and Clinical Staff
Office managers and office staff are key participants in implementing Aetna Depression Management.  They contribute to the excellent care of depressed patients by supporting the practice in implementing the program’s guidelines and protocols as a part of standard office procedures.

Mental Health Specialists
Mental health specialists in Aetna Depression Management include both consultants and clinicians. A consultant (a psychiatrist) helps you determine treatment options when a patient is not improving, whereas a clinician provides psychological counseling at the local level.

Care Planners
An Aetna care planner serves as a liaison among the primary care office, the patient and a mental health clinician to apprise you of your patient’s progress and facilitate communication with a psychiatric consultant when needed.