The North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program for Pediatrics (NC-STeP-Peds), spearheaded by East Carolina University’s Center for Telepsychiatry, is significantly enhancing access to mental health services for children and adolescents across the state. Funded by a $3.2 million investment from the United Health Foundation (UHF), the program aims to address mental health challenges in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina.
Expanding Reach
NC-STeP-Peds has established mental health services at five pediatric primary care sites: Catawba Pediatric Associates, Clinton Medical Clinic, ECU Pediatrics Clinic, Robeson Pediatrics, and Surf Pediatrics. Peachtree Pediatrics in Cherokee will soon join as the sixth site. This expansion provides critical mental health support in areas where such services are often scarce.
Innovative Care Model
Dr. Sy Saeed, director of the ECU Center for Telepsychiatry and founding executive director of NC-STeP, highlights the program’s innovative approach. The model integrates mental health care into pediatric clinics via telemedicine, offering therapy sessions with licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and psychiatric care through virtual consultations. This setup allows children to receive care in familiar environments, reducing stigma and logistical barriers.
Addressing the Pandemic’s Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, with increasing rates of anxiety and depression among youth. Dr. Katie Lowry from Robeson Pediatrics notes the emotional toll on children in her community, already strained by natural disasters and the pandemic. Before NC-STeP-Peds, her clinic had a lengthy waitlist for counseling services. The program’s integration has dramatically improved access and reduced wait times.
Timely and Collaborative Care
Dr. Christian Lige from Surf Pediatrics emphasizes the program’s ability to provide timely mental health care. Before NC-STeP-Peds, patients often faced year-long waits to see a psychiatrist. Now, initial assessments by behavioral health managers occur within weeks, followed by psychiatric consultations if necessary. This timely intervention is crucial for managing acute mental health crises and preventing hospital admissions.
Comprehensive Screening and Treatment
In its first 10 months, NC-STeP-Peds has screened over 10,000 children, identifying more than 1,000 with a high likelihood of behavioral health disorders and 1,800 with mild to moderate anxiety. The program currently provides integrated care to over 200 children, combining mental health and primary care services.
Addressing Provider Shortages
North Carolina faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with 94 out of 100 counties designated as shortage areas. NC-STeP-Peds is tackling this issue head-on, leveraging telemedicine to extend the reach of mental health providers. This approach ensures that children in underserved areas receive timely and effective care.
Future Directions
NC-STeP-Peds plans to continue its collaboration with pediatric sites and community stakeholders to enhance service delivery. Dr. Saeed and his team are committed to integrating science-based treatment practices into routine care, ensuring that children and adolescents receive the mental health support they need at critical stages of development.
The initiative underscores the importance of early intervention in mental health, aiming to prevent severe and persistent problems later in life. Through NC-STeP-Peds, East Carolina University and the United Health Foundation are making significant strides in improving mental health care accessibility and outcomes for North Carolina’s youth.
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