Mental health concerns are a huge part of primary care practice

An examination of millions of patient visits to primary care physicians shows that mental health concerns are second only to musculoskeletal complaints in everyday care. One in nine patients was seeking care primarily because of a mental health concern. In mid-life, that number rises to one in five patients. Mental health concerns are as prevalent as respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, and are more common than infections, injuries, digestive, skin, urological or sensory issues.