Biden Administration Earmarks $11M for Pediatric Telehealth Expansion

The federal government is spending almost $11 million in stimulus funding on telehealth programs that expand access to pediatric mental health services.

The Health and Human Services Department announced last week that some $10.7 million will go into the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program, which enables pediatric mental healthcare providers to use connected health to consult with, train, provide assistance to and participate in care management plans with primary care providers.

The money, administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration, expands the program’s reach. The HFMA had announced $14 million in funding this past May for 21 programs in 21 states; this additional funding boosts that number to 45 awards in 40 states, as well as Washington DC, the US Virgin islands, the Republic of Palau, the Chickasaw Nation and the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians.

"Primary care providers strive to address the many mental health challenges children and families are experiencing due to the pandemic, but they need more support," HRSA Acting Administrator Diana Espinosa said in a press release. "Expanding the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access program offers new opportunities for providers to offer families the mental and behavioral health services they need but that often aren't easily accessible."

According to federal estimates, nearly 22 percent of US children between the ages of 3 and 17 are affected by a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral condition, yet only 20 percent are receiving care from a specialist. Add in the stresses and challenges caused by the pandemic – as well as the beginning of a new school year, which may or may not be virtual – and the need for telemental health services is even more urgent.

The awards come alongside more than $74 million in grants being awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to programs aimed at strengthening school- and community-based mental health programs for children.

Some $54.3 million is going to Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) State Education Agency (SEA) programs, which aims to expand coordination between state and local governments to increase awareness of mental health issues in school-aged youths. Another $19.8 million will go to The Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program, also known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative.

"It is crucial for America's young people to receive evidence-based treatments that support their mental health needs and promote resilience," Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, the HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA, said in a separate release. "These grants aim to build and improve the structures and systems in place to address those needs comprehensively and consistently."

While not explicitly stated in the press release, those grants could also help facilitate the use of telehealth and telemedicine (such as Project ECHO programs and e-Consults) to improve access to mental and behavioral health services, both in school and through other channels.