Posts by The REACH Institute
From the Founder: Why Measurement-Based Care May Be Our Most Important Skill
One of the questions I am often asked is, “What is the single most important clinical skill taught in REACH training?” Many people expect the answer to be learning medications or mastering diagnostic criteria. Those are certainly important. But if I had to choose one skill that consistently improves clinical care, it would be measurement-based…
Read MoreBridging the Autism Care Gap: What to Expect from REACH’s New Autism Essentials Course
Current CDC data shows that roughly one in 31 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Yet, there are fewer than 700 Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians (DBPs) nationwide. Elizabeth W. Barnhardt, DO, MA(Ed), a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, and Attending Physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, underscores the gravity of this gap:…
Read More20 Years of REACH: Closing the Gap, Expanding Care
A Letter from REACH’s Founder, Dr. Peter Jensen On May 6, 2006, we founded what is now known as REACH—The REsource for Advancing Children’s Health. As we mark our 20th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on why we began, what we’ve accomplished, and how much work still lies ahead. From the start, our name was intentional.…
Read MoreManaging SSRI Discontinuation in Children and Adolescents
The decision to wean a child or adolescent off selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often comes with feelings of both hope and trepidation—not just from the parent and child, but also from the primary care clinician. A recent meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that 15% of patients experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping SSRI…
Read MoreRethinking Burnout in Pediatric Primary Care: Small Shifts to Help You Sustain the Work
Insights from Amy Kryder, MD, based on a recent episode of REACHing Solutions, a new podcast from The REACH Institute. Burnout in pediatric primary care is often framed as an individual problem – something clinicians need to “manage” or “fix” on their own. But in reality, burnout is often the natural response to common challenges…
Read MoreMaking Time for Mental Health Care: Advice for Pediatric Primary Care Clinicians
Insights from Gene Hershorin, MD, based on a newly released episode of REACHing Solutions, a podcast from The REACH Institute. Time — it’s one of the biggest challenges clinicians face when it comes to addressing patients’ mental health in primary care. With short appointments, lengthy documentation, and countless competing demands, how can clinicians effectively tackle…
Read MorePharmacogenomic Testing in Mental Health Care: Practical Guidance for Pediatric PCPs
With genetic testing becoming more popular and accessible, many primary care providers wonder whether pharmacogenomic testing (analyzing DNA to understand medication response) is worthwhile when making treatment decisions for patients with mental health conditions. REACH faculty member and clinical psychopharmacologist/psychiatric pharmacist Lynn Crismon, Pharm.D., FCCP, FASCP, DABCP, BCPP, says he is regularly asked about this…
Read MoreSocial Media & Pediatric Mental Health
Insights from Dr. Jasmine Reese based on an episode of REACHing Solutions, a new podcast series from The REACH Institute Social media is woven into nearly every part of young people’s lives. Recent data shows that about 93% of U.S. teens (ages 13–17) use at least one social media app. For many kids and teens,…
Read MorePPP Training Program – virtual CT schedule: November 2026
The Patient-Centered Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (PPP) Mini-Fellowship increases clinicians’ comfort with assessing, diagnosing, and treating pediatric 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 MoreBullying and Pediatric Mental Health: What Primary Care Clinicians Should Know
“Kids seldom come into your office and say, ‘I want to talk about bullying,’” explains REACH faculty member Ron Marino, DO/MPH. “Often, as clinicians, the only indication we have that a child is being bullied are changes in their behavior or new mental health symptoms. It’s our job to notice these changes and take appropriate…
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