Can Pediatric Primary Care Practices Afford Integrated Behavioral Health? A Comparison of 5 Pediatric Practices

• Published in: Clinical pediatrics 2022-12, Vol.61 (12), p.850-858
• Main Authors: Cummings, A. D., Van Horne, B., Correa, N., Schwarzwald, H., Chapman, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Health services; Hyperactivity; Patients; Pediatrics; Primary care; Trauma
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/00099228221106621

Licensed behavioral health providers (LBHPs) were integrated into 5 pediatric primary care practices in southeast and east Texas from October 2018 through March 2020. LBHPs Licensed behavioral health providers across the sites were 3 licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), 1 psychologist, and 1 nurse practitioner (NP). Practices provided data for 6 to 15 months. Overall, 2769 units of behavioral health services were provided to 746 children over 2243 hours. Across 4 sites, 44.3% of behavioral health patients were diagnosed with trauma disorders, 22.1% with anxiety, 19.3% with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, 15.1% with depression, and 10.9% with disruptive behavior disorders. Overall, the model was financially successful at 2 sites (LCSWs) and unsuccessful at 1 site (NP). The other 2 sites demonstrated potential for financial sustainability with increased behavioral health patient volume. Overall, this model is a financially viable option for pediatric primary care practices with adequate patient volumes to provide integrated behavioral health services.