Jamesetta A Newland

Abstract

Primary care providers (PCPs) play a significant role in reducing this global burden in responding to, identifying, and managing the mental health needs of children and adolescents. Services for behavioral health (BH) care needs can be provided by the PCP but might more appropriately be delivered by a psychiatric mental health (PMH) specialist, such as a PMH advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, or other person trained to manage the BH and mental health needs of children and adolescents. This chapter presents background information and discussion of issues in providing integrated BH and PC services through collaborative treatment models. The most common and researched collaborative and integrated practice models are presented. The team members of an interprofessional team are described. Barriers and facilitators to successful integration of BH and PC are reviewed.

Abstract

This chapter describes the elements that make up a comprehensive psychiatric-mental health assessment of children and adolescents. This assessment can be used in primary care settings to help identify children and adolescents in need of mental health services. Key areas include history taking, physical examination process, risk, protective factors, teaching needs of the child or adolescent and family, and ways to communicate the assessment findings to the patient and family and, if appropriate, the school so that they are able to pursue appropriate treatment as needed. The chapter provides advanced practice registered nurses and other primary care practitioners (PCPs) in primary care and mental health settings with a way to systematically approach the assessment of the behavioral and mental health of their patients. It aims to assist PCPs with the knowledge and confidence to proceed with their evaluation of the child's history, behavior, complaints, school performance, social skills, family functioning, and available resources for care.