Bigger systems generally want to “internalize” the expertise needed to grow their primary care behavioral health program, and not be dependent upon external consultation and training over the long haul. To that end, I also help train system level “mentors” in how to use the core competency training framework. Often, a mentor is a new trainee in the core competency approach that shows exceptional skills and promise as a teacher of others. Mentor training involves first observing me deliver the core competency training, then the mentor begins to take responsibility for delivering the training while I observe and provide feedback to improve the mentor’s teaching skills and fidelity to the PCBH model. I will often continue to have periodic phone call follow-ups with mentors over the next year or two, just to make sure they are off to a good start!
