Collaborative Care in Pediatrics: A Model for Holistic Patient-Centered Health

The Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) is an evidence-based approach that integrates mental health professionals within pediatric primary care to address the mental and physical health needs of children and adolescents. Developed by the AIMS Center at the University of Washington in the 1990s, CoCM has demonstrated its efficacy through 90 randomized controlled trials in both the US and abroad. The model focuses on treating patients with mild to moderate behavioral health concerns, aiming to provide early, effective interventions and reduce the need for more intensive treatments down the behavioral health continuum.

CoCM utilizes a multidisciplinary team consisting of Primary Care Providers, Behavioral Health Care Managers (BHCMs), and a pediatric Psychiatric Consultant. Together, they deliver evidence-based brief therapeutic interventions and medications, with the Psychiatric Consultant supporting the BHCMs through regular Systematic Caseload Reviews (SCR) for optimal patient care.

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of CoCM’s practical application within pediatric primary care, highlighting its ability to improve patient outcomes, increase access to mental health services, reduce stigma, and enhance provider satisfaction.