Training in integrated mental health-primary care models: A national survey of child psychiatry program directors

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess current trainee exposure to integrated mental health/primary care models in US child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs. Methods: In June 2013, an electronic survey was sent to all US child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program directors (N=123). Results: Fifty-two responses were obtained from the 120 eligible participants (43 %). The majority of the program directors who responded (63 %) indicated that fellows in their programs regularly participate in clinical care and/or consultation within an outpatient pediatric primary care setting. Program directors identified barriers to increasing training exposure to integrated care delivery as competing clinical demands and challenging financial models for indirect consultation in primary care settings. Discussion: Many child psychiatry fellowship program directors view training in integrated care models as an important part of their teaching and service mission, and are creating novel avenues for exposure. Current funding models, however, may limit the widespread implementation of these opportunities.