HHS Announces $14.2 Million from American Rescue Plan to Expand Pediatric Mental Health Care Access
Funding Will Expand Use of Telehealth to Integrate Mental and Behavioral Health into Pediatric Primary Care
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of $14.2 million from the American Rescue Plan to expand pediatric mental health care access by integrating telehealth services into pediatric primary care.
The funding will expand Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) projects into new states and geographic areas nationwide, including tribal areas. These new state and regional networks of pediatric mental health care teams will provide teleconsultations, training, technical assistance and care coordination for pediatric primary care providers to diagnose, treat and refer children and youth with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Currently, there are 21 PMCHA projects in the country.