Increase Professional Development in Mental Health Treatment for Pediatricians and Family Physicians
Pathways Recommendation
Support professional development to increase primary care providers’ knowledge (competency) in prevention, management and treatment of frequently occurring and mild to moderate early childhood mental health conditions. Incorporate screening, primary care intervention, engaging families as partners in care, managing medication, knowledge of evidence-based mental health services, and working closely with mental health professionals.
Why This Matters
Pediatricians and family physicians often have the first and most regular contact with families with young children. It’s estimated that one-quarter of pediatric primary care office visits in the U.S. involve a concern for behavioral and mental health problems.1 Physicians play an important role in preventing, identifying, managing, and treating mental health concerns for young children in partnership with families and other providers. Additional training and professional development for physicians in these areas benefits children and families.
Read the Action Brief
Featured Initiatives
Click on an Initiative to learn more about its work in this Action area.
See how this Action connects to measures of success in the Pathways Data Dashboard:
We are always gathering more information about innovative work going on across the state.
Have a recommendation of an Initiative to add? Let us know!
Help Us Add To the Action Map