When we hear the term "Equine Therapy," it's associated with therapeutic value. Likewise, the array of Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) have somatic and psychological benefits. According to PATH International Smith (2021) notes, "Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is defined as an interactive process in which a licensed mental health professional working with or as an appropriately credentialed equine professional partners with suitable equine(s) to address psychotherapy goals set forth by the mental health professional and the client."  

Indeed the role of a DBH is innovatively building relationships with Primary Care Physicians (PCP), Nurse Practitioners (ARNP), Physician Assistants (PA), osteopathic (DO) naturopathic physicians (NDs), and health care providers who individually manage the PC of patients. Robinson et al. (2016) mark that integration requires accessibility, reducing the frequency of medication management for mental health in PC, and decreasing frequent follow-ups but encouraging routine health care. Thus, the role of a DBH extends from working directly in the PC office and generating result-based referrals.

The DBH is integrative at the core, joining access to medical and behavioral health care. EAS serves a spectrum of physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties. The benefits of EFP are physical, mental, and behavioral, as the process promotes stability and liberation for the client through the sovereignty of the horse. So how does equine therapy integrate with the qualities of a DBH?

The leadership skills of a DBH coordinate care that renders evidence-based results. The quality of reformation in PC is to offer effective therapy. EFP is an evidence-based modality that serves as an additional routine support treatment for patients. Integrity to acquire knowledgeable, efficient, quality healthcare for the client population is not limited to the office. The DBH is creating new avenues to combine PCP and with the effective treatment of EAS. 

References

Robinson, P. J., & Reiter, J. T. (2016). 1-3. In Behavioral consultation and primary care: A guide to integrating services (2nd. ed., pp. 3–55). essay, Springer.

Smith, C. (2021). Path international. Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.pathintl.org/60-resources/efpl/201-equine-facilitated-psychotherapy.