Increased behavioral health needs and continued psychosocial stress among children with medical complexity and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children with medical complexity (CMC) and their caregivers are at increased risk for multiple psychosocial stressors that can impact child and family well-being and health outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to supports diminished, psychosocial screening and integrated behavioral health (IBH) services in the primary care setting were crucial in identifying and addressing the unique needs of this population METHODS: Universal screening to identify psychosocial needs was implemented in a primary care clinic for CMC that includes IBH services. Data on the prevalence of psychosocial screening and IBH services for young children and their caregivers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated RESULTS: Psychosocial screening levels remained stable during the pandemic.

Incorporating Trainees' Development into a Multidisciplinary Training Model for Integrated Behavioral Health Within a Pediatric Continuity Clinic.

Integrated behavioral and mental health systems of care for children require multidisciplinary team members to have specific competencies and knowledge of the other disciplines' strengths and practice needs. Training models for multidisciplinary professionals should consider the developmental level of trainees. The authors describe a model of flexible scaffolding, increasing intensity, and depth of experience as trainees gain skills and knowledge.

The Scope of Behavioral Health Integration in a Pediatric Primary Care Setting.

Objective: The current study examines the scope of integrated behavioral health services provided by behavioral health clinicians in pediatric primary care.

Methods: A cross-sectional electronic health record review was conducted to characterize integrated behavioral health services including consultation types, recommendations, and medical diagnoses. Services were provided over a 6-year period in an urban, residency-training clinic serving a primarily publicly insured population.

What we talked about at the pediatrician's office: Exploring differences between healthy steps and traditional pediatric primary care visits.

Healthy Steps for Young Children (HS) is a program designed to enhance pediatric primary care experiences for children birth to 3 years and their families by pairing a developmental specialist with a pediatric provider during well-child visits. This study examined the impact of HS on content discussed during well-child visits by providers, HS Specialists, and families. The impact of HS on pediatric outcomes, including timeliness of well-child visits and immunizations, also was examined.