Need for Integrated Behavior Health Model in Primary Care

Behavioral health concerns are highly prevalent in patients seen in primary care pediatric clinics. Approximately 17.4% of children aged 2 years to 8 years have at least 1 mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder,1 and an additional 20% of children do not meet criteria for a diagnosed disorder but have clinically significant impairment or problems.2 Approximately 1 in 7 children experience a behavioral or mental health (MH) concern requiring treatment, counseling, or referral by 21 years of age.3 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force on Mental Health estimated that by the year 2020, MH care would constitute a significant part of general pediatric practice.4 Accurate estimation of the prevalence of pediatric behavioral and MH conditions are hampered by shifting diagnostic criteria and changes in screening tools and screening practices, as well as ever-changing cultural perceptions of behavioral and MH issues.5 Both the AAP and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry endorse children needing to access MH screening and assessment; they recommend that this

Automated summary

Behavioral health concerns are highly prevalent in patients seen in primary care pediatric clinics, with approximately 1 in 7 children experiencing a behavioral or mental health concern requiring treatment, counseling, or referral by 21 years of age. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry endorse children needing to access mental health screening and assessment.