Training Pediatric Residents in Behavioral Health Collaboration: Roles,Evaluation,and Advocacy for Pediatric Psychologists

Objective: This commentary describes the current state of pediatric resident training in behavioral health and highlights specific pediatric residency training modalities that may be facilitated or enhanced by involvement of pediatric psychologists. Method: Several calls to action have been made recently by pediatrics organizations around the need to improve behavioral health training in residency programs. A growing body of literature suggests that behavioral health clinicians’ involvement in pediatric residency training, particularly in the context of the integrated behavioral health (IBH) model, is highly valued and sought after by residency program training directors as a mechanism to improve behavioral health competencies and collaboration. This literature base is reviewed through the lens of potential applications by pediatric psychologists. Results: Incorporating pediatric psychologists into the day-to-day training and functioning of pediatric residents through didactic as well as clinical service exposure has been recommended as a means to facilitate learning enhancement in behavioral health service delivery and team-based care. Conclusion: Systematic evaluation and advocacy on behalf of pediatric psychologists’ involvement in pediatric residency training in behavioral health is a timely next step in addressing a recognized need in the field of pediatrics.