Mental Health

Primary care physicians play a critical role in meeting children's mental health needs through the early identification of risk factors and emerging mental health concerns. The Chapter has played a role in supporting these needs by identifying community resources and referral options for physicians to access.  Early identification is promoted through assessment and evaluation of the child in the medical home setting and provides timely intervention to meet the mental health needs of the family.  Collaborative relationships with mental health specialists and community resources will promote the delivery of these mental health services for families.

The opportunity to decrease the barriers that exist for physicians and improve communication between the medical community and the mental health resources has been an important objective for the Chapter, and utilization of these resources will support the mental health needs of children and families in our community.

Mental Health Toolkit

The Chapter utilized the  AAP's Clinician's Toolkit as one of the major resources for this program.  This toolkit (Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Primary Care: A Clinician's Toolkit) provides examples of assessment tools, examples of documentation, billing and referral tools for the physician to use. 

The Chapter worked with our community partners to identify resources for use by the physicians as well as to create information that will guide the physician as they work to meet the needs of families with mental health concerns.  Several guidelines are included in the resources noted below that will serve as excellent resources for access to care in the community.

Community Resources

Mental Health Resources

 

If you would like a copy of the AAP toolkit or for more information regarding these resources, please contact the Chapter office at (949) 752-2787 or dmilton@aapca4.org.

 

This website was partially funded through the generous support from a CalOptima Grant for Mental Health Resources