Date of Award

1978

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Abstract

This research examines the practical feasibility of integrating a licensed counselor as an adjunct practitioner within a private pediatric medical practice. The study focuses on a mid‑sized suburban pediatric clinic serving children and adolescents, and explores the rationale, operational considerations, anticipated benefits, challenges, and best‑practice recommendations for embedding counseling services in primary pediatric care. Drawing upon a mixed‑methods design, the investigation includes a review of relevant literature around pediatric mental‑health integration, semi‑structured interviews with pediatricians, clinic administrators, and practicing mental‑health counselors, along with a cost‑benefit analysis of a pilot implementation model. Findings indicate that embedding a counselor directly into pediatric care offers substantial benefits, particularly in early identification and intervention of behavioral and emotional issues, streamlined care collaboration, and improved patient‑family satisfaction. Pediatricians reported perceiving the counselor as enhancing the scope of care and reducing referral burden. Administrators highlighted improved operational workflow, though noted upfront resource allocation and reimbursement planning as key barriers. The cost‑benefit analysis showed that while initial staffing and training costs are non‑trivial, a sustainable model emerges when integrated services are aligned with billing strategies and multidisciplinary coordination. The research also identifies challenges including scope definition, workflow integration, confidentiality considerations, and provider‑role delineation. Recommendations include clear protocols for referral pathways, training for medical staff on mental‑health triage, customize scheduling to align with peak pediatric demand, proactive communication with families about service access, and ongoing evaluation of utilization and outcomes. The study concludes that with careful planning and stakeholder buy‑in, the counselor‑adjunct model holds promise for enhancing pediatric practice capacity to address mental‑health needs and may serve as a replicable template for other private pediatric settings.

Download

Included in

Counseling Commons

Share

COinS