About PTW PMHI
Pediatric Mental Health Integration (PTW PMHI) is a district-wide initiative that helps health care providers take better care of children and adolescents with behavioral health needs.
What we provide
The PTW PMHI team supports healthcare providers in addressing behavioral health challenges through consultation with a team of Psychiatry Providers, Clinical Social Workers, and Care Coordinators, providing access to referrals and resources, and facilitating provider education and training that enhances integration.
Since Sept 2015
PTW PMHI's Mission
- Increase collaboration between pediatric primary care providers and child mental health specialists;
- Promote mental health within primary care;
- Improve the identification, evaluation and treatment of child mental health problems;
- Promote the rational utilization of scarce specialty mental health resources for the most complex and high-risk children.
Our History
PTW PMHI was launched in the District in 2015 (piloted in May 2015, launched city-wide in September 2015) following several years of planning by stakeholders. Key to planning efforts has been the DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (DC Collaborative), a public-private partnership that includes Paving the Way MSI, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, DC Departments of Health, Behavioral Health and Health Care Finance, as well as a community advisory board with representation from more than 25 child-serving organizations, parents and community groups.
PTW PMHI is modeled after a highly successful program started in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program) and it joins a long list of other access programs across the country that are part of the National Network of Child Psychiatry Access Programs. These programs offer pediatric primary care providers with increased access to child mental health experts and have led to significant improvements in providers feeling better able to address their patient's mental health issues. We are excited to continue bringing child mental health access programs to the District!
Our Team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, experts in pediatric behavioral health.
Dr. Asha Davis
Medical Director
Dr. Kevin Williams
Psychiatric Consultant, PTW PMHI
"The staff treated my son so kind... Like he was one of their own. I really appreciate that as a parent who is nervous about going through anything with behavior with their child."
— Ms. Washington, D.C.
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