A: We need to be able to do this (mental health) work, but part of being successful is having someone to consult with and someone to refer to. Just like with cardiac or GI problems, there are cases we can take care of all by ourselves, cases in which we will need to reach out to a consultant for help, and cases that need referral. Yes, we need more child psychiatrists. Co-located and collaborative care are the best-case scenarios.
More information about mental health care from the American Academy of Pediatrics can be found if you click here.
Dr. Rettew is an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Vermont, Burlington. He is the author of "Child Temperament: New Thinking About the Boundary between Traits and Illness." Follow him on Twitter @pedipsych.