WHERE WE ARE…
The CORE is located on Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, BC and is under the direction of Dr. Lesley Lutes. The CORE was funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, and the Frank C. Diener Foundation.
WHAT WE DO…
The CORE is focused on developing evidence-based mental/behavioural interventions to improve health outcomes, and translating this knowledge to inform policy change.
THIS JUST IN…
We are happy to present the next speakers of the 2024/2025 cycle of our advocacy series “Realizing Change in Mental and Behavioural Health Policy”, Dr. Erika Penner (Co-Director of Advocacy, BCPA) & Dr. Simon Elterman (Vice President of BCPA)
Our Research
INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE
We are interested in tailoring mental/behavioural health interventions for delivery in primary care to afford better access to evidence-based psychological care. We examine factors such as mental/physical health outcomes, patient/provider satisfaction, clinician training, and program evaluation.
Advocacy
The CORE lab is passionate about advocating to the government for accessible, equitable, and comprehensive psychological care for those living within and outside of British Columbia. Specifically, we advocate for psychologists to be integrated into the provincial primary care system in order for people to receive timely, accessible, evidence-based care delivered by mental health specialists who can assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patient outcomes.
Behavioural Interventions
Small Changes is a behavioural weight management intervention designed to promote healthy, sustainable weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity, and has been adapted to be effective in chronic health populations such as those with atrial fibrillation and psoriatic arthritis. The ENHANCE program is a behavioural intervention that uses positive psychology to improve subjective well-being, and has also been adapted to work in the context of COVID-19.
Emergency Department Program Evaluation
In partnership with Interior Health and CMHA, the CORE lab is currently conducting a program evaluation regarding the suicide and mental heath screening protocols within 9 emergency departments (EDs) within the Interior Health region. Specifically, we are looking the screening, discharge, and follow-up care for patients who entered the ED in acute mental health crisis.
2024 Researcher of the Year (Health)
The doctor is in.
Check out this recent interview about our vision for transforming healthcare in BC! Learn how we’re advocating for better access to psychological services to treat both mental and physical health conditions. For World Mental Health Day Dr. Lutes sat down and got specific about pioneering primary care-specific training to seamlessly integrate psychologists into the healthcare system. It’s time to prioritize mental health alongside physical health.