Children and adolescents in the United States (US) face increasing challenges to their mental and behavioral health. This page provides important information about the AAP PMHCA Technical Assistance Program and technical assistance for pediatricians and other pediatric primary care professionals to better prepare them to promote healthy development and to address mental, behavioral and relational health concerns with infants, children, adolescents and families within the medical home.
Upcoming Events
Check back here for PMHCA upcoming events!
AAP PMHCA Technical Assistance Program Overview
The AAP Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) Technical Assistance (TA) Program provides technical assistance to primary care providers (PCPs) to support them in their management and care of mental health concerns in practice and to promote the use of local and regional PMHCA programs  across the country.
We aim to build the knowledge, skills and confidence of pediatricians and other pediatric PCPs to address mental, behavioral and relational health concerns of infants, children, adolescents and families within the medical home setting and to effectively connect with PMHCA programs for teleconsultation, education and support. This work is supported through a cooperative agreement from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program* is a mental and behavioral health teleconsultation resource for primary care professionals. Statewide or regional networks of pediatric mental health teams provide teleconsultation, training, technical assistance and care coordination support services for pediatric PCPs to recognize pediatric mental and behavioral health conditions and to diagnose, treat and refer children with such concerns within the medical home.
*PMHCA programs are also referred to as Child Psychiatry Access Programs (CPAPs).
49 US states have at least one PMHCA/CPAP program. Find your state’s program here.
Virtual Events
Office Hours
Join our AAP PMHCA Office Hours hosted by various subject matter experts. If you’re interested in attending an office hour, please register.
Virtual Learning Cafés
In partnership with the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP), the virtual learning cafés will provide an opportunity for state Maternal and Child Health staff to connect around the utilization of PMHCA programs and support health care professionals to provide mental health services within the medical home. If you are interested in attending a virtual café session, please register.
ECHO
View our PMHCA Technical Assistance program’s ECHO program recordings to build your skills in providing pediatric mental health care.
Webinars
Healthy Mental Development Framework Webinar
Join the AAP PMHCA Technical Assistance Program team and diverse subject matter experts in discussing a range of healthy mental, behavioral and relational health topics, and how PMHCA program services can provide teleconsultation, training and education to pediatricians and other pediatric PCPs regarding their patients’ and families' concerns.
Promoting Pediatric Mental Health in Rural and Underserved Areas Webinar
Join the AAP PMHCA Technical Assistance Program and National Rural Adolescent and Child Health (NRACH) ECHO Training Center for a virtual webinar discussing pediatric mental health in rural, frontier, and underserved communities.
Building Partnership to Increase Access to Pediatric Mental Health Supports Webinar
Join the AAP & AMCHP for a workforce development webinar discussing partnership and collaboration. Amy Starin, PhD, LCSW, offers an overview of the importance of partnership in service of closing gaps in access to pediatric mental health care.
Brief Interventions for Providers
Brief Interventions Flyer
Check out our downloadable and printable flyer that includes 5 ways to promote children’s healthy mental development.
How to Coach Parents to Help Kids Cope with Emotions (Video)
In this video, as part of a four-part series from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Shah demonstrates how to recommend “emotion coaching” to address mental, behavioral, and relational health concerns.
How Quick Play Time Builds Healthy Relationships for Kids (Video)
Pediatricians can support early relational health between parents and caregivers and their children through a brief intervention known as “sunshine time.” Dr. Prachi Edlagan Shah explains how you can help families learn to set aside a dedicated amount of time to play with their child while they’re waiting for early intervention or referrals.
Prescribe Play Time for Healthy, Happy Kids! (Video)
Dr. Prachi Edlagan Shah reveals another tool in the toolbox that pediatricians and other pediatric health care professionals can use to support a family and their child’s social and emotional development.
A Simple Way to Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships (Video)
Dr. Prachi Edlagan Shah describes how she introduces the concept of sportscasting to families while they’re waiting for formal system interventions for the care of children with mental and behavioral concerns.
Resources
Contact Us
The AAP PMHCA TA Program team welcomes any questions or suggestions. Please submit your inquiries to our team using our contact us form.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,700,000 with no percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the US Government.
Last Updated
11/11/2024
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics