Psychology and primary care: Evolving traditions.

The involvement of psychology and psychologists in primary health care is based upon patient care needs which suggest that upward of 60% of all visits to primary care physicians' offices are psychological in nature. Psychologists have a strong tradition of providing primary health care to medically ill patients and as long-term members of the health care team. The wide array of cost-effective patient care services provided by psychologists is discussed. Present APA initiatives in primary health care are presented, along with descriptions of the manuscripts in this special issue of theJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings focusing on primary health care.