BHOP clinic helps JBPHH patients learn healthy behavior

  • Published
  • By Capt. Louis Edwards
  • 15th Medical Group
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Hickam's Behavioral Health Optimization Program is designed to enhance military members and their family's overall behavioral health as part of their comprehensive health care.

The BHOP provides brief, solution-focused interventions to promote healthy coping strategies, communication skills and behavioral change.  Some of the services offered by the BHOP are coping with anxiety, insomnia, parenting issues, smoking cessation and wellness changes. 

Behavioral health consultants are licensed clinical social workers who work directly with patients' primary care managers to develop behavioral health plans that suit the health care needs of the patient. 

The BHOP service is not the same as mental health clinic services, and patients will not be offered traditional, long-term therapy.  Additionally, documentation is kept in the Family Health Clinic record, not in Mental Health. 

"BHOP is not therapy, however, a person can meet with me up to three times to address whatever issue they have," said Susan Anderson, 15th Medical Operations Squadron behavioral health consultant. "Patients do not need a referral to be seen in BHOP."

Furthermore, the program limits of confidentiality are the same as other PCM providers, however, in cases where your BHC has a duty to report potential harm to self or others, abuse, violence, or Uniform Code of Military Justice violations, an exception to privacy is made.

The focus of BHOP is to enhance one's overall health and wellness--body, mind and spirit. It was created to help members and their families cope with, and manage, physical health challenges and common-life stressors that may interfere with daily functioning. 

"We will get a snapshot of what is working in their life and what is not and come up with a strategy to make it better through  assessments, educational handouts or resources," said Anderson.  "All who are age 18 and older and enrolled to the 15th Medical Group are welcome, both active duty and non-active duty.

Anderson said the focus is on helping people reduce life's stress by promoting healthy coping strategies and behavioral changes. BHOP also helps patients cope with common-life transitions and stressors like permanent changes of station and other military-related stressors.

"The goal is to enhance the quality of your life," said Anderson.

To book an appointment with BHOP call the appointment line at 448-6000.  For more information about BHOP services, speak with your PCM or contact Susan Anderson at 448-6147.