The objective of this special issue is to highlight components of integrative approaches to pediatric healthcare. With the application of this model, psychologists and/or psychiatrists are often housed in the same facility as that of pediatricians. Preliminary research outcomes and clinical pearls suggest that patient access to behavioral healthcare has increased through the application of this model. Additional outcomes purport that patients and their families experience decreased stigmatization through presenting to a primary care clinic, rather than a stand-alone behavioral health clinic, to obtain services. Research findings also note primary care physicians are typically satisfied with this model of integrative healthcare. Notably, the role of the integrative behavioral healthcare professional may shift in underserved areas. While typically seen in a consultative or short-term interventionist role, the psychologist or psychiatrist in underserved areas may treat pediatric patients longer term than their urban counterparts, as the need for clinicians may outweigh the supply in rural areas.

Psychiatric and psychological assessment and treatment approaches for pediatric behavioral health concerns will be a focus of the special issue. As children with behavioral health problems often present with comorbid chronic medical conditions, physician approach to treatment of these conditions, in light of the co-occurring behavioral health concern, will be discussed. Approaches to secondary and tertiary prevention of behavioral health problems in pediatrics will be an additional focus of this special issue. Health service utilization modeling by caregivers may be explored; that is, if parents seek necessary medical care for themselves, that modeling behavior is likely to impact whether children are likely to be compliant with and assent to medical care for themselves.

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