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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Early Childhood: Implementation and Preliminary Usage Data
Yael Dvir1, M Carolina Clark1, Kara A Lindquist Lowen1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts T. H. Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Health, Worcester.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|June 16, 2026
Summary
The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Early Childhood (MCPAP-EC) successfully integrated mental health services for young children into primary care settings. This program provided consultation and evaluation, emphasizing psychosocial support for children under six.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Primary Care Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Early childhood mental health is crucial for long-term well-being.
- Pediatric primary care settings are ideal for early identification and intervention.
- Existing models often lack specialized support for very young children's mental health needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and impact of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Early Childhood (MCPAP-EC).
- To assess the feasibility of integrating early childhood mental health services into pediatric primary care.
- To describe the utilization patterns and types of services provided by MCPAP-EC.
Main Methods:
- MCPAP-EC utilizes the DC:0-5 framework for diagnostic classification.
- The program offers developmentally sensitive consultation and multisession evaluations to primary care clinicians.
- Data collected from July 2021 to June 2025 on program reach and service delivery.
Main Results:
- MCPAP-EC served 1,469 children under 6 across Massachusetts.
- The majority of encounters involved diagnostic assessment and parent guidance.
- Emphasis was placed on psychosocial care rather than medication management.
Conclusions:
- MCPAP-EC presents a feasible model for integrating early childhood mental health into primary care.
- The program effectively addresses mental health concerns in children under six within a primary care context.
- Ongoing evaluation is recommended to refine and expand the program's reach and effectiveness.
