Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health

Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 AM

Suicide is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States, and primary care and behavioral health providers are uniquely positioned to intervene early. Despite the availability of evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention, many opportunities for detection and timely intervention are missed. Research shows that 45% of people who die by suicide have seen their primary care physician within the previous month (Ahmedani et al., 2014; Hogan & Grumet, 2016). Further, individuals dying by suicide visit primary care providers more than twice as often as mental health providers (Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002). These findings underscore the critical role of primary care in identifying and responding to suicide risk. Yet, providers in primary care settings often report limited training, time, and confidence in screening for behavioral health concerns, managing suicidal ideation, and effectively coordinating care with behavioral health specialists. Adolescents in particular may present with non-specific complaints, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, or school difficulties, that mask underlying mental health conditions. Without structured approaches for screening, assessment, and referral, these early warning signs may go unrecognized. At the same time, behavioral health providers working in integrated or community-based settings face challenges in collaborating with primary care, ensuring continuity of care, and supporting families through crisis. Gaps in communication, fragmented systems, and variable access to evidence-based interventions further hinder timely and effective response.

This ECHO series aims to train PCPs and behavioral health providers in implementing evidence-based, patient-centered best practices to address behavioral health topics like depression and anxiety, including suicide prevention, among school-age and adolescent populations. Each ECHO session will be comprised of a short didactic presentation (20-25 minutes), followed by at least 2 participant-led case presentations (35-40 minutes).

Topics for Case-Based Learning and Discussion Include:

• Depression & Mood Disorders
• Aggression, Anger & Out of Control Kids
• Anxiety
• Substance Use
• Neurodiversity
• Suicide Epidemiology & Zero Suicide model
• Secondary Trauma _ Providers & Family
• Screening & Assessment
• Medication Management & Non-medical interventions in the Medical Home
• Safety Planning, Firearms & Referrals
• Post Acute Care and Transitions in care