Supporting Kids’ Mental Health: Why Early Teamwork Matters
Written by Elizabeth Solomon Loyola, PsyD
This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting at the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP) conference in Chicago with three incredible colleagues—Drs. Carlina Wheeler, Meera Ullal, and Shreya Lakhan-Pal. Together, we presented on a unique training program we helped develop and run at UC Davis Health to improve access to mental health care for children and teens—and how working together across specialties can lead to better outcomes for families.
While many people think of therapy as something that happens separately from medical care, there’s increasing recognition that pediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists should be working closely together. Kids don’t experience their mental and physical health in separate silos—and neither should we.
Why Early Support Makes a Big Difference
Mental health challenges in childhood are common—but they’re also highly treatable, especially when caught early. Unfortunately, many families still face barriers when trying to find the right support. It’s not unusual for parents to feel unsure where to turn, or to wait months before a therapist becomes available. That’s where early identification and collaboration come in.
In our training program, psychology trainees worked with children and teens who were experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. These youth were referred by their pediatricians after screenings showed elevated symptoms. While the therapy itself didn’t take place in the medical office, strong communication with doctors and psychiatrists helped ensure that they received the right evidence-based care at the right time.
How This Collaborative Model Helps Families
Here’s how this kind of care model benefits families:
Faster access to care: Pediatricians flag concerns early, and therapists step in quickly with targeted treatment.
More coordinated support: When psychologists, pediatricians, and psychiatrists stay in communication, families don’t have to navigate the system alone.
Better outcomes: Research shows that evidence-based care delivered early can prevent symptoms from getting worse and support long-term well-being.
The team provided 8–10 sessions of short-term therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a gold-standard approach for anxiety and depression. Care was delivered in-person or virtually, and progress was closely monitored.
The Role of Psychology Trainees
Involving psychology interns and postdocs was a key part of the program. Under close supervision from licensed psychologists, these trainees brought fresh energy, up-to-date knowledge, and a strong focus on collaborative care. Their involvement made services more available and more affordable—something many families deeply need.
It also gave future psychologists real-world experience working alongside pediatricians and psychiatrists. That kind of training prepares them to support families holistically, not just in a therapy room but as part of a broader care team.
What This Means for Parents and Caregivers
If your child is struggling with mood, behavior, or anxiety—and you’re not sure where to start—know that help doesn’t have to be complicated. You can begin by speaking with your child’s pediatrician and asking for a mental health screening. From there, a referral to a psychologist or other mental health provider may be the next step.
Early support, paired with open communication between providers, gives kids and teens the best chance to thrive.
We're Here to Help
San Diego and Sacramento-based Child Psychology Center specializes in early intervention and evidence-based care for children and teens. We work closely with families—and with other providers when needed—to make sure your child’s mental health needs are met with skill, compassion, and collaboration.
If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, reach out. We’re here to help you take the next step—together.
Our Services
Child Psychology Center offers neuro-affirming, culturally competent, evidence-based therapy for children (ages 0+), teens and caregivers. We offer virtual therapy for people throughout all of California, and we offer in-person therapy near San Diego (in Carlsbad, CA) and Sacramento. Our services are available in both English and Mandarin. Our licensed psychologists offer psychological assessments. While our therapists specialize in treating children, we also treat adults. We specialize in treating anxiety, child behavioral problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, Autism, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We offer parent coaching and consultation. We would love to support you along your journey. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today!
