A Commonwealth Fund study released March 3 found the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) effective.  The project provides psychiatric and clinical support to primary care providers (PCPs) treating children with mental health problems.  The study found that 95 percent of Massachusetts children have PCPs enrolled in the project, and that PCPs believe they provide better care to children with mental health problems after participating in the project.

From the report: Massachusetts has successfully demonstrated the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP), a program that provides timely telephonic psychiatric and clinical guid­ance to primary care providers (PCPs) treating children with mental health problems. The program allows enrolled PCPs to get assistance for any child in their care. On the basis of an initial phone consultation, MCPAP may provide an in-person psychiatric or clinical assessment, transitional therapy, and/or facilitated linkage to community resources. Six regional teams based in academic medical centers reach out to and support enrolled PCPs in their catchment area. The program has enrolled most primary care practices, represent­ing an estimated 95 percent of all youth in the state, and has high rates of PCP participation. PCPs report higher ratings of their ability to serve children with mental health problems as a result of the program.

Full report:  The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project: Supporting Mental Health Treatment in Primary Care (PDF | 1.41 MB)

The Commonwealth Fund.  (2010).  The Massachusetts child psychiatry access project: supporting mental health treatment in primary care.  Holt, Wendy.