1 - (IOP 9) Adapting Evidence-based Therapies for Embedded Behavioral Health Services for Patients with Vision Loss

Vision loss presents significant psychosocial challenges, including uncertainty, isolation, identity shifts, and role adjustments, which are often overlooked in traditional medical care. Despite growing awareness of the emotional impact of vision impairment, there remains a lack of formalized behavioral health interventions designed specifically for this population. To address this gap, an Embedded Behavioral Health Service (EBHS) within a multidisciplinary ophthalmology setting was developed, integrating short-term, skills-based psychotherapy alongside medical care. This innovative model provides targeted psychological interventions to individuals experiencing vision loss, emphasizing emotional regulation, resilience-building, and psychological flexibility through evidence-based therapies (EBTs) such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
This paper will highlight the importance of integrating EBTs into medical settings to address the unique needs of patients facing health-related adjustments. It will describe specific adaptations of CBT and ACT, including strategies for managing uncertainty, fostering social support networks, and promoting identity reappraisal in the face of functional change. We will illustrate these techniques through a case study, demonstrating how short-term psychotherapy can help patients navigate vision loss, develop adaptive coping strategies, and maintain engagement in meaningful activities.
Beyond vision loss, the approaches outlined in this paper are applicable to a wide range of medical challenges, losses, and life adjustments, making the case for broader integration of behavioral health within healthcare systems. By embedding psychological interventions within medical care, clinicians can provide affirmative, patient-centered treatment that acknowledges the emotional complexities of health conditions. This paper will emphasize how CBT and ACT can be adapted to support individuals coping with chronic illness, disability, and other major life transitions, serving as a model for holistic, collaborative, and accessible mental health care in medical settings.