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A parent’s guide to accessing our integrated behavioral health professionals at primary care visits

Did you know? At Children’s Minnesota, we integrate behavioral health professionals into all our primary care clinics so that children get the care they need when they need it most.

During a primary care visit, your child’s doctor will monitor their physical, mental and emotional health. That’s why it’s perfect timing to also have a behavioral health professional on-hand for parents or teens to chat with too!

What is integrated behavioral health (IBH)?

Behavioral health specialists (psychologists, social workers, counselors) work closely with primary care providers (pediatricians, nurse practitioners) to provide coordinated, convenient, and cost-effective behavioral health services for children and adolescents at their Children’s Minnesota primary care clinics. 

Access guide to our integrated behavioral health specialists

How do I meet with an IBH specialist?

Integrated behavioral health is an extremely important part of a child’s well-being and development. As needs arise during well-child check-ups or other appointments, your child’s primary care provider can connect you with a behavioral health specialist at the clinic.

Why is it convenient?

Through integrated behavioral health, while at a primary care visit or well-child check, parents can ask questions about their children’s emotional and behavioral health without making a separate appointment with a specialist.

This makes it easy for families to meet with our specialists during a primary care visit, and once connected with a behavioral health specialist, you can start having separate therapy appointments as well. If your child needs more support than our behavioral health specialists can offer, they are available to work with you to find the appropriate services for your child.

What kind of behaviors might need a behavioral specialist?

  • Adjustment disorders.
  • Attention difficulties or ADHD.
  • Mood concerns: anxiety or depression.
  • Behavior problems.
  • Coping with stress.
  • Disruptive behaviors/tantrums.
  • Parent-child conflict.
  • Parenting concerns/support.
  • School problems.
  • Sleep concerns.
  • Trauma.

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