Many parents know the scenario: Their child shows signs of anxiety or depression, throws fits or has trouble focusing. They tell the pediatrician, who has only 15 minutes to see them, a crowded waiting room and limited experience with mental-health issues. If the problem seems serious, the parents get a list of child psychiatrists or psychologists to call. There is a monthslong wait to see them and many don’t take insurance.
It is little wonder that only about 1 in 5 children with diagnosable mental-health problems gets treatment.
Now, more pediatricians are embedding mental-health professionals into their practices, where they can help spot problems early, provide care fast or reassure parents that a child’s behavior is normal.
[For more of this story, written by Melinda Beck, go to http://www.wsj.com/articles/to...atricians-1421105535]
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