Integrated Behavioral Health Program
What is integrated behavioral health (IBH)?
Children’s Minnesota has a team of compassionate and skilled behavioral health specialists (psychologists, social workers, counselors) who 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 primary care clinics.
When you connect with a behavioral health specialist in your clinic, you can expect to have an assessment of your child’s emotional and behavioral health needs followed by recommendations that could include time-limited therapy services (cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, behavioral intervention), parenting interventions, or other referrals that meet your needs.
Patient & family education materials
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How integrated behavioral health can help my child and family
Recognizing early signs of mental health problems and helping parents know when a behavioral or emotional issue needs professional help are crucial for healthy development and well-being of children and adolescents.
At Children’s Minnesota, we integrate behavioral health professionals into our primary care setting so we ensure children get the care they need when they need it most. We have integrated behavioral health at all nine of our primary care clinics located throughout the metro area.
Why choose the IBH program at Children’s Minnesota?
Easy access to individual and family therapy services: Behavioral health specialists see patients at primary care clinics or can connect with your family online during a virtual care visit. In addition, families can get support from behavioral health specialists during well-child check-ups and other appointments as needs arise.
Improved health outcomes: Early recognition and easy access to mental health services through IBH, has shown to improves outcomes for children’s behavioral and emotional health and well-being.
Coordinated care: IBH can help coordinate care between other services (medical, behavioral health, school, community, etc.) and can bridge between outpatient behavioral health services including community therapy or more intensive treatment.
Family partnership: We involve parents and caregivers every step of the way, because your insight is essential to your child’s success.
What types of concerns can behavioral health specialists treat?
We understand that mental health issues don’t just affect your child — they affect your whole family. And we’re here to help.
- Attention difficulties or ADHD
- Anxiety, fears or worries
- Behavioral problems
- Parent-child conflict and parenting support
- Depression or mood problems
- School issues
- Sleep concerns
- Trauma related concerns
HealthySteps: Early support for your child’s development
HealthySteps, a program of the national Zero to Three organization, is currently available to all patients ages birth to five at limited Children’s Minnesota primary care sites. An Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health professional, known as a HealthySteps Specialist, works as a key member of the primary care team to ensure all babies and toddlers have a strong start during the first years of life.
HealthySteps Specialists build strong relationships with families to provide expertise in child development and behavioral health. Through team-based well child visits, we provide parents with guidance, education, information, and resources that help them support their children through different stages of behavioral and emotional development.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our IBH program
What is pediatric IBH?
IBH at Children’s Minnesota is a team-based care approach with collaborative and coordinated care between primary care providers and mental health providers to promote early identification of behavioral health concerns, increase access to mental health services and provide evidence-based prevention and intervention services within our primary care clinics.
Who should be seen in the IBH clinic?
Primary care patients presenting with behavioral health concerns, and for those who are identified through universal screening as part of their well-child visit.
Is a referral needed?
IBH services are only available to Children’s Minnesota primary care patients. To make an appointment with our IBH program, contact your child’s primary care provider and ask for a referral. Sessions may be scheduled in person or telehealth.
Are services and evaluations covered by insurance?
IBH services are covered under the mental health portion of most insurance plans, including most Medicaid plans. Patients and families are advised to reach out to their insurance company to better understand their individual plan coverage.
How long do the visits and evaluations take?
Visits are typically 30-45 minutes, although the first visit may be up to 60 minutes.
How often does a child generally follow up with the team long-term?
During the first visit, providers collaborate with parents and children to identify treatment priorities and develop a course of treatment, individualized to meet the needs of each patient and family. The number of additional sessions depends on the nature and severity of the concerns, but between 6 and 8 visits is common.
