DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics: Evaluating a Child Psychiatry Access Program in Washington, DC

Abstract

Child psychiatry access programs (CPAPs) provide primary care providers (PCPs) with assistance in mental health diagnosis, management, and resource navigation. Data collected from DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics (MAP) included PCPs and patient demographics, clinical encounter information, and provider satisfaction. DC MAP consult volume increased 349.3% over the first 5 years. Services requested included care coordination (85.8%), psychiatric consultation (21.4%), and psychology/social work consultation (9.9%). Of psychiatry-involved consultations, PCPs managed patient medication care with DC MAP support 50.5% of the time. Most (94.1%) PCPs said they would recommend colleagues use DC MAP, and 29.6% reported diverting patients from the emergency departments using DC MAP. DC MAP grew quickly, highlighting program impact and need. Demand for care coordination required flexible staffing and highlighted the need for coordination in pediatrics. Child psychiatry access programs offer an innovative way to enhance PCP management of their patients' mental health needs.