The biopsychosocial model
The biopsychosocial model was introduced in 1977 by Dr. George Engel, suggesting that a person’s medical condition is based not only on the biological factors but also on social and psychological factors. The model shows that a person develops illness as a result of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Therefore, biological, psychological, and social factors must be considered for a person to be treated. Organizations such as American Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and American Psychological Association (APA) have implemented this model through their missions in facilitating quality care.
AMHCA has implemented the use of the bio-psychosocial model in the treatment and counseling of mental health patients. The organization has implemented the model in its mission by enhancing mental health through counseling, education, and collaboration while taking into consideration the biological, psychological, and social factors that are the determinants of mental health as per the model. Moreover, the model enables workers to apply all aspects of a patient’s life to their mental illness. This ensures the well-being of the patient as the model can show how to treat the diseases.
AAMFT’s central role in enhancing healthy relationships and the well-being of couples, communities, and families. The organization has marriage and family therapist (MTFs) who apply the bio-psychosocial model to treat mental problems, depression, anxiety and child-parent issues, emotional and mental disorders. Their main concern is to ensure the long term well-being of the patients and their families. Through the bio-psychosocial model, the therapists provide the mental and behavioral health of families, and couples are well aware of the biological, psychological, and social factors and how the disease can be treated.
APA’s mission is to ensure advancement in creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and to improve people’s lives. The use of the biopsychosocial model helps the organization in achieving this mission. Psychology has helped in enhancing disease prevention, health promotion, and also address health disparities. The task force in APA is responsible for the issuing of the policy statements on matters that are of social importance. These include IQ testing, human rights, abortion, the welfare of detainees, the mentally ill’s rights, gender equality, and sexual orientation. The use of the biopsychosocial model helps identify the causes of diseases and ensure the well-being of people.