Anxiety and depression are among the most common and debilitating mental health conditions affecting children and adolescents, yet many young people do not receive adequate care. One major barrier is the shortage of specialized pediatric mental health providers, which limits timely diagnosis and treatment.
In a recent study published in Implementation Science Communications, Peter Jensen, MD, of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, and colleagues, examined how pediatric mental healthcare can be expanded by training primary care clinicians to better recognize and treat anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. These conditions are among the most common and disabling in youth, yet they are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, largely due to a shortage of specialized mental health providers. The authors propose that training primary care clinicians through a task-sharing and upskilling approach could help bridge this gap.
Researchers conducted a longitudinal evaluation of 3,246 primary care clinicians across the United States and Canada who participated in a structured mental health training program between 2017 and 2024. The program included a 3-day interactive workshop followed by six months of twice-monthly, case-based group coaching sessions. It was designed to help clinicians implement evidence-based practices for assessing and treating pediatric anxiety and depression within primary care settings.
Clinician outcomes were measured at three time points: before the training, immediately after the workshop and six months later. The researchers assessed changes in knowledge, confidence (self-efficacy), use of standardized screening tools and willingness to diagnose and manage conditions, including prescribing antidepressants when appropriate.
The results showed consistent and sustained improvements across all measured areas. Clinicians reported greater confidence in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, increased use of standardized rating scales and a higher likelihood of initiating and managing treatment. Importantly, outcomes were similar whether the training was delivered in person or online, suggesting that the program can be effectively scaled using remote formats.
Overall, the findings suggest that intensive training combined with ongoing coaching can successfully equip primary care clinicians to take on a larger role in pediatric mental healthcare. This approach offers a practical way to address workforce shortages and improve access to evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents.