Pediatric Mental Health Care Access - The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Division of Family Health Services, seeks funding under the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program to expand equitable access to pediatric behavioral health services statewide. This project addresses a demonstrated need for timely mental health support for children and youth, particularly in rural regions and during high-risk transitions following psychiatric hospitalization. Funding will strengthen and expand the New Jersey Pediatric Psychiatry Collaborative (NJPPC), a statewide behavioral health consultation and care coordination system supporting pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) in early identification, assessment, and management of mental health and substance use conditions. The project will increase availability of telehealth-based provider consultation, direct treatment, medication management support, and bridging services to ensure continuity of care. In addition, NJDOH will implement evidence informed telehealth parenting support groups for caregivers of children ages 0–5, delivered by clinicians trained in early childhood development and family engagement. These activities directly align with HRSA priorities related to integrated care, workforce development, and telehealth expansion. The PMHCA initiative will also support continuation and scale up of the Inpatient Discharge Support Services (IDSS) program, which provides short term, clinically informed telehealth support to youth ages 0–24 following discharge from inpatient behavioral health units. By using telehealth services to reinforce safety planning, clarifying discharge instructions, coordinating step down care, and ensuring timely follow up, IDSS aims to reduce emergency department utilization, readmissions, and suicide related events during the post hospitalization period. Since its launch in 2025, IDSS has received more than 626 referrals, with strong relevance for rural counties facing persistent access barriers. The NJPPC network includes nine regional hubs operated by Hackensack Meridian Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, collectively serving more than 28,000 referrals since 2015 and providing statewide reach. Program training and technical assistance will continue through partnerships with the New Jersey American Academy of Pediatrics and Hackensack Meridian Health, advancing PCP capacity to assess, manage, and coordinate behavioral health needs. IDSS program evaluation will be led by Dr. Michelle Scott of Monmouth University, a leading expert in youth suicide prevention and behavioral health program evaluation. Evaluation activities will assess program effectiveness, fidelity to evidence informed models, and outcomes related to access, service utilization, and crisis reduction. NJDOH will release a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) to support qualified agencies in implementing best practice IDSS services and pediatric mental health workforce training. Through these coordinated efforts, NJDOH will improve timely access to behavioral health services, strengthen integration between primary and behavioral health care, and enhance outcomes for children, youth, and families across New Jersey.
