To support the ongoing community health team (CHT) expansion pilot work around mental health and substance use, Dr. Monique Thompson, a Specialized Quality Improvement Facilitator for the Blueprint for Health, has completed a literature review on complementary and alternative medical (CAM) approaches to depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. The Blueprint is excited to announce that a final drafted version of the paper is available here for public review, comment and feedback.
The document outlines the methodology used for the development of the paper, provides a snapshot of the current state of mental health and substance use in Vermont, and discusses barriers to CAM utilization. Readers are then walked through available evidence for CAM treatment approaches for depression, anxiety and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, reviewing lifestyle changes, nutrition and nutraceuticals, various psychological interventions, acupuncture and other therapeutics. The work concludes with summaries of the findings.
It is the hope of the Blueprint that this work will enhance provider and clinician knowledge on CAM therapies and provide strategic insight for integration into clinical practice. Please send any inquiries or comments/feedback to Dr. Thompson at monique.thompson@partner.vermont.gov.