Preventive psychology in primary care settings.

This article will describe some of the more promising types of preventive interventions that exist in primary health care settings. It will present a rationale for practicing psychologists to consider issues of prevention when working in health care settings. Approaches to prevention and the integration of preventive measures into primary care will be presented, as well as examples of the implementation of innovative prevention programs. This article will conclude with examples and recommendations for primary care psychologists who wish to become more involved with prevention. EDITORS' STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: The authors provide useful information and suggestions both for individual psychologists interested in focusing on individual-level interventions, as well as larger-scale interventions that present more challenges to implement, but also provide greater benefits to community health and well-being. Health care professionals and administrators could discern why and how to involve psychologists in their prevention efforts.