HHS will use $14.2 million in funding provided by the American Rescue Plan to increase pediatric mental healthcare access by connecting mental health specialists to pediatric primary care providers using telehealth, according to a May 20 news release.
Five details:
- The funding will expand the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access program into new states, including tribal areas. There are currently 21 ongoing PMCHA projects nationwide.
- The mental healthcare teams added to the program will provide virtual consultations, training, technical assistance and care coordination for pediatric primary care providers to treat and refer children with mental health and substance use disorders.
- Research shows that about 22 percent of children ages 3 to 17 are affected by a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral condition. Yet, only 20 percent of these children receive care from a specialist, the release said.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated emotional and behavioral challenges in children, especially in low-income families, according to HHS. The program will use telehealth to make mental healthcare more accessible and equitable, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said.
- Mental healthcare teams will consult pediatricians, family physicians and nurse practitioners. The teams will include child psychiatrists, licensed mental health professionals and care coordinators.