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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Susan G. Pfefferle, PhD, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Center for Mental Health Services Research, Washington University in St Louis, 1 Brookings Dr, Box 1093, St Louis, MO 63104, 617-281-2594, spfefferle@gwbmail.wustl.edu

Although schools are the primary location for treatment of children and adolescents with mental illnesses, pediatricians also treat a substantial percentage of these children themselves. The objective of this study is to examine the state-level and organizational factors associated with pediatrician rates of treatment for children with mental illnesses. Data for this study come from a survey of pediatricians in six states. Response rate was 61%. Pediatricians were asked about their treatment of children with mental illnesses, the percentage of mentally ill children referred to specialty care, demographics, perceptions of availability of mental health professionals, and practice characteristics. State-level data come from a variety of sources. Pediatricians reported treating 40% of children they diagnosed with mental illnesses themselves. Differences in the percentage of children pediatricians treated themselves were found by practice type and by managed behavioral health care carve-out penetration rate in the state. Use of educational materials on identifying and treating children with mental illnesses was associated with higher rates of mental health treatment by pediatricians. Pediatricians' perceptions of the accessibility of mental health professionals were not significantly associated with their rates of mental health treatment. Rate of psychiatrists in the state however, was significantly associated with a reduction in pediatrician mental health treatment. Twenty-one percent of pediatricians reported that they referred or treated less than 100% of children they diagnosed with mental illnesses. This finding that shows a substantial number of children diagnosed with mental disorders may be falling through the cracks. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Learning Objectives: The participant in this session will be able to

• Identify organizational and state-level factors associated with pediatrician rates of mental health treatment.
• Recognize gaps in mental health treatment for children and how pediatricians are attempting to fill those gaps.
• Better understand the need for support of and education for pediatricians in treating children with mental illnesses.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Pediatrics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No