Behavioral health screening and referral in the pediatric office.

One in fi ve children in the US has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder that interferes with functioning and requires intervention.1 One in 10 children may suffer from a serious emotional disturbance. Half of adults with mental health disorders have symptoms by the age of 14 years.2 However, 80% of children do not receive the mental health services they need.3 Studies show that children with depression and conduct disorders use more health care services and have higher health care costs when they become adults.4 Early identification and treatment of children with mental/ behavioral health problems can reduce the burden of mental illness and its long-term consequences, and improved access to outpatient mental health services is cost-effective.5,6 1. Review the AAP recommendations for mental health screening in the primary care setting.