Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program (PMHCA)

Goal 1: The main goal of the program is to help primary care providers better identify and treat behavioral health conditions in children and youth. This includes increasing regular screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals within primary care settings. The program focuses on reducing barriers to care, especially in rural areas and communities with shortages of health professionals.During the project period, you should work toward these objectives:1. Increase the use of teleconsultation Expand the number of providers who use real-time behavioral health teleconsultations and care coordination services, including help with referrals.2. Train pediatric and primary care providers Provide training on child and youth behavioral health, including how to screen for, diagnose, and treat these conditions.3. Improve access to services and resources Expand access to PMHCA services and offer resources that address the behavioral health needs of children and youth.4. Increase the number of children and youth who receive care Ensure more children and youth receive needed behavioral health services because their providers contact the PMHCA program for teleconsultation and care coordination support, with a focus on those in rural areas and areas with health professional shortages.

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

(301)443-2170