Benefits of Combining Pediatric Practice with Behavioral Health Programs

A meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating behavioral health programs into primary care practice.

Integrated medical-behavioral care is a model of care that unifies primary care and behavioral health in a primary care setting. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled studies that compared behavioral health programs within primary care settings to usual primary care in a total of 13,129 children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral health problems (e.g., depression, hyperactivity, substance use).

The number of intervention sessions ranged from 1 to 16. Five trials evaluated collaborative-care interventions (e.g., evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication algorithms). Other studies evaluated interventions including parenting programs, interpersonal psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics