Motivational Interviewing in Primary Care: The Basics

Motivational interviewing is a useful counseling approach for supporting positive behavioral change among adolescent patients. This self-paced course provides an overview of motivational interviewing for the primary care provider with a focus on the spirit and principles of motivational interviewing, and examples of motivational interviewing strategies.

At the completion of this activity, you will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing.
  • Describe the Motivational Interviewing approach to assessing readiness for change.
  • Describe the Motivational Interviewing approach to building motivation and confidence for change.

Author/Presenter: Nicholas Weiss, MD is a PAL (Partnership Access Line) Program Consultant for Seattle Children’s Hospital. PAL supports primary care providers (doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) with questions about mental health care such as diagnostic clarification, medication adjustment or treatment planning.