News/Media
20 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 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…
Read MoreAdult ADHD: A Family Affair
“Most primary care providers aren’t new to seeing adults with ADHD,” explains Kathleen McCoy, DNSc, who specializes in family psychiatric mental health and integrative care. “What’s changing is our understanding of the condition and how to help adults manage it well, often while also supporting their children with ADHD.” More than half of the estimated…
Read MorePCPs Are on the Front Lines of Suicide Prevention: Tools to Feel More Confident Having the Hard Conversations
“The first time you ask a kid about suicide, it’s scary,” explains Eugene Hershorin, MD, a developmental pediatrician and REACH faculty member. “But navigating that fear and asking the question can save a child’s life.” Research shows that primary care providers have a critical role to play in suicide prevention. Among youth, 80% of those…
Read MoreManaging Mental Health Disorders in Adolescent Cannabis Users
“Mental health disorders and substance use are a very common comorbidity, including among youth cannabis users,” shares child and adolescent psychiatrist Blair Ritchie, MD FRCPC. With 40% of youth reporting prior cannabis use, pediatric primary care providers are increasingly likely to see patients in this population who also have mental health needs. Research on the…
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