Integrated Behavioral Health in Pediatric Subspecialty Clinics

Abstract

Millions of children and adolescents are living with a chronic condition. It is common for mental and behavioral health challenges to arise during their courses of illness. With the complexity of care needed, pediatric subspecialty providers have recognized the need to integrate behavioral health interventions into practice. Continued research in this area has allowed for focused behavioral interventions, particularly in diabetes and asthma. Adult congenital heart programs have adapted a similar model of care and have shown promising success in promotion of health. More established programs have been in existence for childhood cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Keywords: Asthma; Chronic illness; Congenital heart; Diabetes; Pediatric subspecialty.