A novel collaborative practice model for treatment of mental illness in indigent and uninsured patients.

Purpose: The implementation and evaluation of a collaborative practice model (CPM) of mental health care at a free clinic are described.

Summary: Since 2004, the mental health clinic of the Cape Fear Clinic in Wilmington, NC, has provided pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy services to a mostly female population of poor and uninsured patients (average age, about 45 years) under a CPM that includes a state-licensed Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner with prescribing privileges. Spanish is the primary language of about 28% of the clinic's patients.