The Pediatric Psychiatry Colocalized Consult Clinic: An Innovative Care Model and Curricular and Practice Solution

A pediatric psychiatry colocalized consultation clinic was launched in an academic medical center to improve pediatric residency training and pediatric access to mental health care. Pediatric residents see patients under the direct supervision of a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Over 10 years, the clinic completed more than 1,500 patient visits and cared for more than 400 patients. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety were the most common diagnoses. Data showed improvement in residents' comfort and confidence in diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This care model facilitates timely psychiatric consultation and valuable mental health training for pediatric residents.