Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Aug 2008
Multicenter StudyPediatricians' role in providing mental health care for children and adolescents: do pediatricians and child and adolescent psychiatrists agree?
Many children who have a mental health disorder do not receive mental health services and are seen only in primary care settings. Perceptions of pediatricians and mental health specialists regarding the role that pediatricians should have in diagnosing and managing children's mental health problems have not been studied. ⋯ Most PCPs and CAPs believe it is pediatricians' responsibility to identify and refer, but not treat, the majority of children's mental health problems. Both groups agree that mental health services are not readily available. Future efforts are needed to support PCPs and CAPs in their combined effort to address the mental health needs of children.