Adjusting to Chronic Conditions Using Education Support and Skills

Medically ill patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are at increased risk for developing symptoms of anxiety and depression and are among the least frequent users of mental health services and treatments. To address the needs of chronically ill patients, we created a time-limited psychosocial intervention to maximize treatment benefits and improve the efficiency and ability of mental health care practitioners to provide services within medical care settings. This study is separated into two randomized study groups. The first group of participants will receive the ACCESS intervention immediately. The second group of participants will be followed for a period of 6 months. After a period of 6 months, those who continue to have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety will be offered the ACCESS intervention.