Behavioral Health into Primary Care
Recent studies indicate that one in five U.S. children and adolescents experiences mental health problems. Because 75 percent of children with diagnosed mental health disorders are seen in primary care settings, pediatric primary care providers are in a key position to address social, emotional, and behavioral issues in their patients.
Integrating behavioral health into primary care brings mental health expertise into primary care practices by hiring on-site mental health consultants and training primary care staff to recognize, assess, and provide appropriate referrals to help their patients who have mental health needs.
Behavioral Health into Primary Care and Project LAUNCH
Because of their charge to integrate behavioral health programs into pediatric practices in their local communities, Project LAUNCH grantees have a wonderful opportunity to test integration models over a five-year period. In the process, they can help to inform the national discussion on integrating behavioral health into primary care with lessons learned and best practices.
