Access to behavioral health services in the community has gotten worse during the pandemic, exacerbating the youth mental health crisis. While many BHCs try to deliver services as a bridge to community mental health, more and more BHCs find themselves working towards a bridge to nowhere, as patients face long waitlists and other barriers in the community. Algorithms for BH referrals have to be revisited as pressure to squeeze more patients on the BHC schedules is increasing.

This month we had a facilitated discussion on team-based solutions to a cross-system problem.  A research article on the topic was also discussed.

The question in any case is not whether to address ACEs, but how to better do so. The answer might be developing healing-centered strategies around ACEs and mitigating adverse consequences of ACEs. And doing so without contributing to the inequities, stigmatization, and re-traumatization of children and families. This month’s meeting focused on the pros and cons of ACEs screenings and screening best practices. The Peds SIG discussed screening for PACEs (Positive Childhood Experiences) versus, or in addition to, ACEs and shared an article on the value of integrating ACEs conversations in the pediatric well-child visits as part of the anticipatory guidance.