Collaborative Medication-Related Roles for Pediatric Primary Care Psychologists

Abstract

Children and adolescents are increasingly being prescribed psychotropic medications to address mental health needs. With the difficulty in accessing child and adolescent psychiatrists, primary care providers are often tasked with initiating and managing these medication regimens. The standard of care around psychotropic prescribing in primary care often falls short of practice parameters and prescribing guidelines due to a number of factors including lack of training, time, and payment reimbursement for these services. Pediatric psychologists embedded in the primary care medical home are well positioned to undertake collaborative medication-related roles as part of the standard of care in these settings. This commentary highlights the rationale for pediatric psychologists to undertake collaborative roles in medication management, outlines what collaborative roles may look like in practice, and discusses implications for training and research. A case example is also included to highlight a collaborative consultation around medication management in primary care.