July 27, 2010
A supplement to the June issue of Pediatrics featured a series of reports on improving mental health care for children. "Enhancing Pediatric Mental Health Care: Report from the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Mental Health" outlines strategies to enhance pediatric mental health at both the community level and in individual practices. The report also provides clinical algorithms to guide primary care clinicians through the process of implementing mental health care into a practice. These enhancements can help pediatricians and families build strength and resilience in children, recognize mental health problems and coordinate care in the medical home for children and adolescents with mental health problems.

To assist pediatricians in implementing the strategies in the reports mentioned above, the AAP developed Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Primary Care, a toolkit that brings together ready to use resources and tools on one instant-access CD-ROM. Look here for screening and assessment instruments, quick-reference care management advice, step-by-step care plans, time-saving documentation and referral tools, and more.

Algorithm-based guidance, indexed to CPT codes, outlines a process for both care and billing. Succinct clinical tools provide step-by-step decision support for assessment and care of children with the most common mental health symptoms.

For more information, please contact Linda Paul (lpaul@aap.org) or Aldina Hovde (ahovde@aap.org).