Treatment of childhood mental health problems: A community collaborative approach

Professional literatures bring attention to the lack of recognition and treatment of child and adolescent mental health disorders, in contrast to well-documented reductions in psychopathology symptoms, improved adaptive functioning, and decreased long-term impairment when children are treated early and appropriately. With the current shortage of, in particular, child psychiatrists and psychologists to care for children and adolescents, a new model may be needed. This project, operating for two years, addresses the unmet mental health needs of children in Central Illinois through development of a community-based coordinated system of care which includes pediatric primary care hubs that use routine screening for behavioral/mental health problems; increased training (through academic detailing) of providers to provide mental health care; primary care linked case coordination; educational services for patients and families; and, increased collaborative associations between mental health professionals and pediatricians. This research reports on the first two years of program operation during which time formative evaluations of the directing Steering Committee, process evaluations of the system from the viewpoint of families, physicians and mental health practitioners; outcome evaluations with cost comparisons and the first impact evaluation involving telephone interviews with family members were undertaken. Over 400 children (between ages 3-17) have been screened and processed through this program. Over 40 clinical professionals have evaluated the impact of the program on their own practices and clients. Results show overwhelming satisfaction with a program that quickly and appropriately guides children/family members into mental health services with satisfaction indices documenting progress for these children across several domains.