Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine launched a child and adolescent integrated behavioral healthcare concentration in collaboration with Boston Medical Center’s TEAM UP Scaling and Sustainability Center, according to an Oct. 22 BU Today report.
The concentration is part of the medical school’s master’s program in mental health counseling and behavioral medicine and prepares students to provide behavioral healthcare in pediatric primary care settings.
According to the report, up to 10 of the 40 to 48 students admitted to the master’s program annually will participate in the concentration. Students will receive clinical training alongside medical providers in primary care settings, where behavioral health services are integrated into routine pediatric care.
The concentration builds on an existing collaboration between TEAM UP and Carryl Navalta, PhD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and director of the new program. In 2015, TEAM UP began developing its pediatric integrated behavioral health model, which now spans 14 pediatric practices.
The Inspirational Futures Foundation awarded the concentration a $50,000 grant, including $10,000 stipends for each of four students, to help students cover tuition and living costs. The remaining $10,000 will cover educational and training fees for suicide prevention training.
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