Posts by The REACH Institute
Tips for Managing Mental Health Disorders in Children with Autism
“It used to be that when a diagnosis of autism was given, no other mental health comorbidities could be recognized,” explains Ruth E.K. Stein, MD, a REACH faculty member and Professor of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. “That changed in 2013 with the release of the DSM-5. For…
Read MoreUsing CBT to Support Pediatric Patients with Depression
“As primary care providers, we can help our pediatric patients with depression using basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools,” explains pediatrician and REACH faculty member Jackie Cotton, MD. “Many common recommendations currently used align with CBT best practices. As part of an evidence-based treatment protocol, a clear roadmap for using these tools helps clinicians save…
Read MoreAdolescent Cannabis Use and Harm Reduction
“We know that 10% of adult cannabis users will develop a substance use disorder or addiction. That number is double in adolescents,” explains child and adolescent psychiatrist Blair Ritchie, MD FRCPC, when describing one of the many research-documented risks of youth cannabis use. Yet with decriminalization and legalization in many states, cannabis is increasingly seen…
Read MoreHow Clinicians Can Partner with Schools to Support Pediatric Patients
“Clinicians who are aware of and know how to direct parents to obtain services for children within the school system can make an enormous difference for patients and families,” explains Dr. Mark Wolraich, MD, a REACH faculty member and retired professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The challenge for clinicians…
Read MoreAdult Behavioral Health in Primary Care
This innovative program increases clinicians’ comfort with assessing, diagnosing, and treating adult mental health concerns. Participants can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by completing the mini-fellowship components: (a) A dynamic three-day course, followed by (b) eight case-based, group learning calls. Read more about the course here…
Read MorePractical Behavior Management in Pediatric Primary Care
In this dynamic, full-day workshop participants will build their knowledge, skills and confidence in assessing and managing disruptive behavior disorders. The one-day course will be followed by four, case-based group learning calls to help participants implement the principles learned during the workshop. Each video call lasts one hour. Participants can earn up to 10.75 CME…
Read MoreCBT for Depression in Pediatric Primary Care
In this dynamic full-day, virtual workshop, participants will learn how to effectively use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help children and teens who suffer from depression. The one-day workshop will be followed by four, case-based group learning calls to solidify their learning. Participants can earn up to 11.25 CME credits for both components. Read…
Read MoreSpotting OCD in Pediatric Patients
“Even among skilled clinicians, misconceptions about obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD can delay diagnosis and treatment,” explains Carla E. Marin, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine. With common sayings like “we’re all a little OCD” and representations of OCD that center on germs and handwashing, getting a clear picture of…
Read MoreWhy Clinicians Should Consider Coding by Time for Mental Health Care
“Many primary care providers are still coding by medical decision-making for mental health care,” explains Eugene Hershorin, MD, a REACH faculty member and medical coding expert. “However, time-based coding is both easier and often results in higher coding levels and therefore higher payment rates, especially for pediatric patients who require ongoing care for mental health…
Read MoreADHD and Racial Disparities: What Clinicians Can Do
“When a parent of color raises concerns about their child’s behavior, clinicians should always stop to assess for underlying disorders,” explains child and adolescent psychiatrist Brittainy Erby, MD. “I see many children and adolescents of color who have been diagnosed with a behavior disorder, but they actually have untreated ADHD.” The research reinforces what Dr.…
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