HHS https://www.hhs.gov, awarded $10.7 million from the American Rescue Plan through HRSA https://www.hrsa.gov, to use to expand pediatric mental healthcare access by integrating telehealth services into pediatric care.
Currently, nearly 22% of children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S are affected by a mental emotional, developmental, or behavioral condition. Only about 20% of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, however, receive care from a specialized provider.
HRSA’s Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program supports state and regional networks consisting of pediatric mental healthcare teams. These teams provide teleconsulting, training, technical assistance, and care coordination for pediatric primary care and other providers. The information is used by providers to diagnose, treat, and refer children and youth with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
The funding will help broaden the program’s reach from 21 awards in 21 states to 45 awards in 40 states plus the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and the Republic of Palau. It will also provide support to two tribal to include the Chickasaw Nation and the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians.
“Primary care providers strive to address the many mental health challenges children and families experience due to the pandemic, but they need more support,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Diana Espinosa. “Expanding the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program offers new opportunities for providers to offer mental and behavioral health services, to children that often aren’t easily accessible.”
Go to https://mchb.hrsa.go/training/pgm-pmhca.asp for more information on HRSA’s Pediatric Health Care Access Program
Go to https://mchb.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health-initiatives/mental-behavioral-health/arp-pediatric-mental-health for the list of awards.