Overview

Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN) is a program that provides mental health care to child and adolescents in underserved areas. It was established by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) in response to the shortage of Child and Adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) in certain parts of the country. CPAN aims to increase access to mental health for children and adolescents by connecting them with trained CAPs through tele health. The program provides mental health assessments, consultations, and ongoing treatment for a variety of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. In addition to providing direct care to patients, CPAN also works to educate communities about the importance of mental health care for children and adolescents.

CPAN provides mental health care to children and adolescents through tele health, so it may be helpful for mental health professionals such as nurses, social workers and LPCs who work with children and adolescents in underserved areas. These professionals may be able to refer their clients for mental health assessments, consultations and treatment or collaborate with CAPs in the program to provide comprehensive care for their clients. The involvement of nurses, social workers, and LPCs may vary depending on the specific policies and procedures of the program and individual practitioner’s scope of practice.

Series Objectives

Upon completion of this activity leaners should be able to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in children and adolescents
• Determine appropriate screening and assessment tools for specific mental health disorders in children and adolescents
• Identify appropriate resources and referrals based on diagnosis
• Generate treatment plans for non-complex, mild-moderate mental health disorders in children and adolescents
• Evaluate and assess for mental health disorders in children and adolescents

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physicians, nurses, social workers, and licensed professional counselors.