BHOP enhances behavioral health Published July 26, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale's Behavioral Health Optimization Program was implemented in May to enhance military member's and their family's overall behavioral health as part of their comprehensive health care. BHOP provides brief, solution-focused interventions to promote healthy coping strategies, communication skills and behavioral change. "The BHOP main goals are to help improve recognition, treatment, and management of psychosocial/behavioral problems and medical conditions in the enrolled population," said Shannon Grantham, 2nd Medical Operation Squadron behavioral health consultant. "The BHC is part of the primary care manager team and works with them to look at all aspects of the patient's health." BHCs are licensed clinical social workers who work directly with patients' PCMs to develop behavioral health plans that suit the health care needs of the member. "I focus on the reason the PCM referred the patient," said Grantham. "I provide brief, focused interventions with my goals being early identification, quick resolution and long-term wellness." The BHOP service is not the same as mental health clinic services, and patients will not be offered traditional, long-term therapy. Additionally, documentation is kept in the Family Health Clinic record, not in mental health. BHOP limits of confidentiality are the same as other PCM providers, however, in cases where your BHC has a duty to report potential harm to self or others, abuse, violence, or Uniform Code of Military Justice violations, an exception to privacy is made. "I provide consultation and brief intervention, not the traditional psychotherapy," said Grantham. "I am able to see active duty, dependents (including children) and retirees." The focus of BHOP is to enhance one's overall health and wellness--body, mind and spirit. It was created to help all Family Health Clinic members cope with, and manage, physical health challenges and common-life stressors that may interfere with daily functioning. It focuses on helping people reduce life stress by promoting healthy coping strategies and behavioral changes. BHOP also helps patients cope with common-life transitions and stressors like permanent changes of station, financial stressors and military-related stressors. "If you are an active duty member, dependent or retiree, and you are having difficulty emotionally or behaviorally, please come see me," Grantham said. For more information about BHOP services, speak with your PCM or contact the Family Health clinic at 318-456-6555.