Medical Psychology: Many different definitions exist including some regarding psychologists who prescribe medication. At BMP&G this is not our intent. We use this term in reference to our expertise & experience delivering comprehensive, whole person care that integrates psychosocial & behavioral dimensions of health and illness. We care for adults of nearly any age and help manage nearly any condition. Similar terms include: behavioral health/medicine, health psychology, comprehensive medicine, primary care psychology, integrated care, and lifestyle medicine.

Geriatrics: This refers to specialty care of the aging patient and is distinct from gerontology which refers to study of the aging process. Remember, geriatric medicine was pioneered by a psychiatrist who developed therapeutic interventions that targeted the need for closure, reminiscence, and other psychological realities of the aging process.

Negative attitudes toward both psychology and aging are clearly reflected in the US health care system’s failure to support either. In 2013 I addressed this problem and how I've tried to combat it when training physicians. 

Nationally, in contrast to what BMP&G provides, dwindling supplies of psychiatrists and geriatricians have led each to medicalize what they offer, further widening the psychosocial gap in care. Psychologists, most thoroughly trained to fill this gap, have nonetheless failed to articulate their value and thus remain peripheral to standard care. This is increasingly problematic since many of the issues discussed in medicine today originated in psychology decades ago (see table). Contact BMP&G today so we can bridge these gaps and enhance your care.