TY - JOUR
AU - Z. W. Adams
AU - M. P. Smoker
AU - A. Burns
AU - C. M. Black
AU - C. Wolfinger
AU - M. Eppich-Harris
AU - A. C. Feagans
AU - J. L. Skaggs
AU - A. E. Baldwin
AU - L. E. Dewaelsche
AU - M. Tolliver-Lynn
AU - L. A. Hulvershorn
AU - R. B. Yoder
A1 - 
AB - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation outcomes and lessons learned from the first 5 years of the Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth (Be Happy), a statewide child psychiatry access program (CPAP) designed to support primary care providers (PCPs) in addressing pediatric mental health needs. METHODS: Program utilization data were analyzed, including PCP characteristics, consultation characteristics, psychiatrist impressions, and PCP feedback. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2024, Be Happy received 3,031 consultation requests guiding behavioral health care for children and adolescents residing in 87 of Indiana's 92 counties. Calls often addressed medication management and therapy recommendations for patients with conditions such as anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and depression. Consultations were completed on the same day, with one-half of cases managed entirely within the primary care setting. PCPs reported high satisfaction with Be Happy, citing increased confidence in addressing pediatric mental health needs, managing medications, and providing information about therapy resources. CONCLUSIONS: The Be Happy program demonstrates the utility of CPAPs in addressing workforce shortages, empowering PCPs, and improving access to mental health care for children and adolescents. Key lessons included the need for targeted outreach to rural areas and the importance of embedding CPAP awareness into health care training programs. Future research should explore patient-level outcomes and strategies to sustain and expand the impact of CPAPs.
AD - Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
AN - 41103135
BT - Psychiatr Serv
C5 - Healthcare Disparities
CP - 12
DA - Dec 1
DO - 10.1176/appi.ps.20250101
DP - NLM
ET - 20251017
IS - 12
JF - Psychiatr Serv
LA - eng
N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation outcomes and lessons learned from the first 5 years of the Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth (Be Happy), a statewide child psychiatry access program (CPAP) designed to support primary care providers (PCPs) in addressing pediatric mental health needs. METHODS: Program utilization data were analyzed, including PCP characteristics, consultation characteristics, psychiatrist impressions, and PCP feedback. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2024, Be Happy received 3,031 consultation requests guiding behavioral health care for children and adolescents residing in 87 of Indiana's 92 counties. Calls often addressed medication management and therapy recommendations for patients with conditions such as anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and depression. Consultations were completed on the same day, with one-half of cases managed entirely within the primary care setting. PCPs reported high satisfaction with Be Happy, citing increased confidence in addressing pediatric mental health needs, managing medications, and providing information about therapy resources. CONCLUSIONS: The Be Happy program demonstrates the utility of CPAPs in addressing workforce shortages, empowering PCPs, and improving access to mental health care for children and adolescents. Key lessons included the need for targeted outreach to rural areas and the importance of embedding CPAP awareness into health care training programs. Future research should explore patient-level outcomes and strategies to sustain and expand the impact of CPAPs.
PY - 2025
SN - 1075-2730
SP - 1074
EP - 1082+
ST - The Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth: Five Years of Statewide Implementation
T1 - The Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth: Five Years of Statewide Implementation
T2 - Psychiatr Serv
TI - The Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth: Five Years of Statewide Implementation
U1 - Healthcare Disparities
U3 - 10.1176/appi.ps.20250101
VL - 76
VO - 1075-2730
Y1 - 2025
ER -