Integration of Pediatric Behavioral Health Services in Primary Care: Improving Access and Outcomes with Collaborative Care

Abstract

Objective: To examine collaborative care interventions to integrate pediatric mental health services into primary care as a means of addressing barriers to mental health service delivery, improving access to care, and improving health outcomes. Method: Selective review of published literature addressing structural and attitudinal barriers to behavioural health service delivery and the integration of behavioural health services for pediatric mental problems and disorders into primary care settings, with a special focus on Canadian and U.S. studies. Results: Integration of pediatric behavioural health services in primary care has potential to address structural and attitudinal barriers to care delivery, including shortages and the geographical misdistribution of behavioural health specialists. Integration challenges stigma by communicating that health cannot be compartmentalized into physical and mental components. Stepped collaborative care interventions have been demonstrated to be feasible and effective in improving access to behavioural health services, outcomes, and patient and family satisfaction relative to existing care models. Conclusion: Collaborative integration of behavioural health services into primary care is a promising means of improving access to care and outcomes for children and adolescents struggling with mental problems and disorders. Dissemination to real-world practice settings will likely require changes to existing models of reimbursement and the culture of health service delivery.