Investment empowers primary care providers to address pediatric mental health

March 14, 2025 2 minute read

One in seven children have a mental or behavioral health condition, and nearly three-quarters of adult mental health conditions begin during childhood.^1,2 In Nevada, about 30% of children don’t receive the mental health care they need.³ A shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) is a contributing factor, with Nevada having 8 CAPs per 100,000 children, and 71% of counties having no CAPs.⁴ Additionally, children who are Asian, Hispanic, or Black are less likely to receive any mental health treatment compared to children who are white, contributing to health disparities.⁵

To help more children access the mental health care they need, University of Nevada Las Vegas Health (UNLV Health) launched the Nevada Pediatric Access Line in 2020. UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is supporting the Pediatric Access Line through funding that will ensure continued access to these critical services.

As part of the National Network of Child Psychiatry Access Programs, the Nevada Pediatric Access Line addresses the growing need for mental health care by providing primary care providers with direct access to expert child mental health consultation. It aims to bridge the gap created by a shortage of child psychiatrists, while acknowledging that many kids and families receive behavioral health services through their primary care provider (PCP).⁶ The goals of the Pediatric Access Line include:

Expanding access to children’s mental health care statewide
Enhancing primary care clinicians’ knowledge, skills and competency in addressing children’s mental health
Developing a specialized workforce of child and adolescent psychiatrists, primary care clinicians and master’s-prepared therapists skilled in integrated behavioral health models

The Pediatric Access Line is staffed by an expert team of youth mental health professionals and is available Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM. PCPs can receive free, real-time consultation for mental health care, enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat children with mental health conditions. PCPs contact the Pediatric Access Line by phone or text message for consultation, collaborate with Pediatric Access Line staff to determine the best treatment protocol, then administer care and treatment to their patient. Support is available for PCPs who serve youth ages 0-25, and is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Nevada Pediatric Access Line results

1,077 unique patients served, 43% of whom identify as Hispanic

9,029 care coordination encounters

1,993 child psychiatry consultations

143 primary care clinicians served statewide

25% of calls related to possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, enabling psychiatric evaluations without extended wait times that often exist at a local level

The Pediatric Access Line also offers online resources to help PCPs improve their understanding of common child mental health disorders. The free, open-access library includes links and printable summary guides to help PCPs gain a better understanding of mental health conditions, including diagnosis, treatment, and medication protocols.

The Pediatric Access Line will soon launch monthly Clinical Conversations, a series of expert-led presentations and discussions about mental health topics affecting PCPs in Nevada. This comprehensive support empowers PCPs to better serve their patients and improve overall outcomes.

Since its inception, the Pediatric Access Line has achieved remarkable results:

1,077 unique patients served, 43% of whom identify as Hispanic
9,029 care coordination encounters
1,993 child psychiatry consultations
143 primary care clinicians served statewide
25% of calls related to possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, enabling psychiatric evaluations without extended wait times that often exist at a local level

“With this partnership, Nevada Pediatric Access Line has been able to positively impact the lives of patients like RD, a 4-year-old boy who faced developmental delays and was referred to NV PAL when his family encountered long wait times for specialized evaluations. Within weeks, NV PAL was able to provide RD with a timely autism spectrum disorder evaluation, enabling his family to receive a diagnosis and immediate referrals to necessary care.

Patients like RD are why we are so proud of the service Nevada Pediatric Access Line has created, and with community partners like UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid, we look forward to supporting even more families and children in need.”

- Lisa Durette, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP; Director of Nevada Pediatric Access Line

By equipping primary care providers with the tools and knowledge they need, we can ensure that more children and adolescents receive timely and effective mental health care, leading to improved health outcomes. UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is honored to collaborate with the Nevada Pediatric Access Line in support of our shared mission to help people in Nevada live healthier lives.