Depression Support Program

GRIPA Care Management Services is available to help GRIPA physicians care for patients with depression. This program is designed to educate and support patients with new depression. Focus is on reducing symptoms and assisting with managing therapeutic interventions (verbal and pharmacological). Results are designed to reduce relapse and improve coping skills.

The three-phase program is targeted for patients over age 18 with symptoms of depression. (Exclude those with recent trauma, psychosis, suicidal, or organic syndromes)

The GRIPA team helps identify patients with major depression based on factors including:

• high utilization of medical services
• recent significant loss or stressor
• history of depression/family history
• unexplained symptoms or complaints

Professionals work together to combat a complex condition

The team includes: a NYS certified social worker whose responsibilities include providing education about coping strategies as well as monitoring the disease and providing emotional support; a clinical pharmacist to oversee medication utilization, management and cost reduction; and a registered nurse for co-morbid disease management. Team members follow patient progress and make follow-up phone calls and home visits when indicated.

The World Health Organization reports that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the U.S., suicide is the 11th most common cause of death, claiming 30,000 lives each year. Contact us to learn more about the ways we can help your patients struggling with depression.