What role does the primary care team play in identifying and treating behavioral health issues for children and families?

The focus of this module is on the primary care team as it addresses behavioral health issues with young children and their families.  Through the 4 domains of Screening Processes, Prevention and Health Promotion, Consultation or Intervention, and Care Coordination and Systems Navigation, primary care providers have an amazing opportunity to support parents by validating their concerns, and caring for children when development is happening more rapidly.  The team benefit of having an integrated practice is discussed where team members can support each other in a full and comprehensive way.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, the learner should be able to:

• Understand the role of primary care providers as a port of entry for both medical and behavioral health issues for young children and their families.
• Identify four different domains of activities for early childhood behavioral health integration.
• Recognize the effectiveness of an integrated practice team to support parents as new skills and capacities are developed for the child.
• Recognize the importance of the integrated practice team as a means to support each other in a full and comprehensive way.

Who Should Complete this Module?

The information in this module is valuable for all integrated team members, including clinicians, nurses, behavioral health staff, medical assistants, front & back office staff, and care managers.

Funding for this project was made possible by the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The views expressed in written project materials or publications do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.