Pediatricians are champions for optimizing the physical health and well-being of children. From vaccinations and regular check-ups to diagnosing and treating significant health issues, pediatricians see it all.

What you might not realize is the important role pediatricians play in the mental health of the children they regularly see. According to the 2021 School Health Annual Report by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, nearly  1 in 3 children ages 3-17 have reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health problems. These troubling issues include depression, anxiety, addiction and many other complex issues that need care once identified. These diagnoses are often directly tied to complex social situations that pediatricians also help address, such as food insecurity, safety, parent mental health and lack of resources.

Tending to mental health isn’t just a popular topic of conversation these days – it’s an increasingly crucial part of overall health.

As a pediatrician serving families in Arkansas, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of mental health care on the lives of my patients. I’ve seen children flourish when they have consistent access to mental health services, enabling them to navigate the challenges of adolescence with resilience and support.

Connections to mental health resources often begin with pediatricians.

With that in mind, it’s essential to ensure your family is covered by Medicaid or other affordable health insurance coverage options. Many Arkansans lost Medicaid coverage over the last year and need to work toward re-enrollment to ensure their children can access the care they need when mental health challenges arise.

Health coverage for mental health services for children in Arkansas typically includes a range of services aimed at addressing various mental health needs. While specific coverage may vary based on individual circumstances and Medicaid plans, here are some common mental health services covered by Medicaid in Arkansas for children:

Behavioral health assessments: Medicaid covers comprehensive behavioral health assessments to evaluate a child’s mental health needs, including assessments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

Therapy and counseling services: Medicaid can help connect individuals and families with therapy sessions. These sessions may focus on addressing specific mental health concerns, developing coping skills and improving overall well-being.

Psychiatric services and psychological testing services: Medicaid may cover psychiatric evaluations and medication management services provided by psychiatrists or other qualified healthcare providers. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders with medications when appropriate. Testing may help inform treatment planning and intervention strategies.

Case management services: Case management services may be covered by Medicaid to assist children and their families in accessing and coordinating mental health care services. Case managers help navigate the healthcare system, connect families with resources and ensure continuity of care.

Crisis intervention services: Medicaid typically covers crisis intervention services for children experiencing mental health crises, including emergency evaluations, crisis stabilization and referrals to appropriate treatment resources.Home and community-based services (HCBS): Some Medicaid plans in Arkansas offer home and community-based services for children with significant mental health needs. These services may include in-home therapy, respite care and wraparound services to support children in their home and community environments.

Ensuring access to quality healthcare is crucial for the well-being of your children’s physical and mental health. By re-enrolling in Medicaid or choosing another quality coverage option, you can access much-needed services.

If you suddenly find you and your family are without health coverage, are unsure if you are covered, or even if you have coverage and just want to make sure it’s the best available option, I encourage you to take advantage of the resources the state makes available. Visit Access.Arkansas.Gov to check your status or enroll in Medicaid, and check MyARInsurance.com to see if you qualify for sliding-scale insurance plans through the health insurance marketplace.

Dr. Susan Averitt is the owner and pediatrician at Best Start Pediatrics in Springdale, Ark.