Ways that psychologists can contribute to tobacco cessation efforts in integrated primary care settings

How can psychologists working in primary care help contribute to tobacco cessation efforts? Although primary care has long been identified as an ideal setting for the implementation of evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions, much of the focus has been on the role of the primary care provider and associated medical staff. Psychologists who work as part of the primary care team can also help support tobacco cessation efforts, and offer unique strengths given their training and expertise in treating behavioral health concerns. This article offers suggestions for how psychologists can contribute to population-based tobacco cessation efforts in integrated primary care settings. We propose that psychologists have the potential to increase the extent to which evidence-based interventions for tobacco use are delivered in primary care through direct clinical services (e.g., the 5As, brief individual treatment, and various team based interventions), training, and scholarly activities (including research, quality improvement, and program evaluation projects).