How Pediatricians Can Support Mental Health Referrals

Author:

Emma Loker

B.S.

Editor:

Aja Chavez

AMFT, APCC

Gone are the days when the local GP did routine healthcare. The need for pediatric mental health care for teens is growing. Nowadays, with mental health awareness improving, more pediatricians are playing an active role in catching the early signs of mental health issues in children and teens. In some cases, what may appear to be a physical illness is a sign of a deeper mental health concern at play – and in these instances, the pediatrician can be the first to notice.

When a pediatrician is involved in part of the mental health screening process, early intervention for teen mental health is possible. This means you don’t have to wait for a crisis before getting help. Pediatricians across the U.S. are able to catch the signs early, help families get support sooner, and prevent mental health issues from snowballing.

The Growing Need for Pediatric Mental Health Support

Teens experiencing mental health challenges are more than just statistics. Over the past decade, millions of teens have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. In fact, in 2023, over 5.3 million U.S. adolescents (between 12 and 17) were determined to be experiencing mental or behavioral health conditions.¹ When you consider that those stats boil down to 1 in 5 teens struggling with mental health, the statistics start to hit home. Anxiety and depression, both things that teens struggle with, are the most common underlying issues.

Even though mental health needs are on the rise, some teens still struggle to get the care they need. Waiting lists are long, not all insurance covers the care required, and it seems there’s a shortage of child and adolescent mental health facilities available. This is where pediatricians can become helpful – by connecting parents with mental health facilities that specialize in teen mental health treatment.

Recognizing Red Flags: What Pediatricians Look For

Not many people would consider that pediatricians and teen mental health go hand in hand, and yet they do. Sometimes teen emotional issues aren’t easy to see. Some of the signs could be subtle, like:

Mood changes
Sleeping troubles
Pulling away from friends or becoming more reserved

Others may be more obvious but be difficult to understand or pinpoint to mental health challenges, such as:

Skipping school
Sudden drop in grades
Drug and alcohol misuse

Many pediatric practices use mental health screening tools during routine visits to shed some light on the early warning signs. Some commonly used screening tools include the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).²

These tools give pediatricians a clearer picture of how a teen is really doing emotionally and can guide them in deciding whether they should be referring teens to mental health services, youth therapy, or further evaluation. In this way, the role of pediatricians in teen wellness is essential. Pediatric referrals for youth therapy could be the very thing that helps a teen in crisis see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Building Trust: How Pediatricians Create a Safe Space for Teens

For a teenager to open up about what they’re feeling, there has to be trust. Pediatricians know that teens may not always talk freely in front of parents or may fear being judged. That’s why building a safe, private space during checkups is so important.

Many providers make it a point to speak with teens one-on-one during visits, especially during adolescence. They explain confidentiality upfront and encourage honest conversations – whether about stress, relationships, or mental health struggles. When a teen feels heard and respected, they’re more likely to be honest – and that honesty is key to getting them the help they need.

This kind of care makes it easier to offer mental health referrals for teens. It creates the foundation for long-term trust and better outcomes, helping teens feel supported as patients, and as whole people.

Pediatric Advice For Teen Mental Health: How Can Pediatricians Support Teen Mental Health?

A new spotlight has been shone on teen mental health and primary care requirements. The American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Mental Health proposes universal screening in pediatric primary care as a way to detect and treat mental health needs.³

Pediatricians aren’t just checking height, weight, and vaccination records – they’re often the first adults outside the family to notice when a teen is emotionally struggling. And in today’s climate, pediatricians supporting mental health is more important than ever.

A pediatrician who gently asks how things are going at school or at home might be the first person a teen opens up to. From there, it’s all about knowing when to listen, when to screen, and when to guide the family toward the right support.

How Pediatricians Help With Mental Health: The Pediatrician’s Role in Early Mental Health Intervention

A pediatrician can be like an early-warning system as they can see patterns that might go unnoticed. A teen who seems to have dropped a lot of weight since their last visit, sleeps too much, or suddenly drops doing the sports they love can be signs of something deeper at play.

What may seem like a phase to parents might be a sign of anxiety or depression and these are things a pediatrician would more easily pick up on. Pediatric care for teenage anxiety is a growing need in the US, and catching these warning signs early can make all the difference in the type of recovery required and how long treatment takes. Instead of jumping to conclusions, pediatricians can ensure the right questions are asked and investigations are made early on.

1. Making Mental Health Referrals: When and How

Referrals aren’t just for worst-case scenarios. Pediatricians don’t always refer teens to therapy because something is dramatically wrong but because it appears they might need extra support. It’s then the job of the therapist to dig deeper and determine what kind of support is needed.

If a teen or child is refusing to go to school, socially withdrawing, or presenting physical symptoms that have no clear cause, further therapy can help. The “how” is just as important. The best pediatricians explain the referral process clearly, involve both teen and parent in the conversation, and help remove the fear or shame that sometimes surrounds mental health treatment.

2. Mental Health Care Coordination For Teens: Coordinating Care With Mental Health Professionals

Once a teen is connected with a therapist, communication between providers can make all the difference. With permission, pediatricians can collaborate on things like medication management, progress tracking, or co-occurring medical concerns. It’s all about integration. For teens juggling therapy, school, and daily stressors, coordinated care feels smoother, more supportive, and far less overwhelming.

3. Supporting Families Through the Mental Health Journey

Parents often feel like they have to hold it all together and figure it all out at the same time. Pediatricians can act as a calm voice in the noise, helping families understand what a diagnosis means, how treatment works, and how to support their teen without micromanaging.

Whether it’s managing school accommodations or learning what not to say during tough moments, guidance from someone the family already trusts makes the whole journey less isolating.

Addressing Common Concerns From Parents

Some parents wait to ask for help because they’re afraid of the answer. Is this just hormones? Are we overreacting? Will a label follow them for life? And what if we can’t afford therapy?

These are real concerns, and good pediatric care makes space for them. Sometimes the answer is yes—it is a phase. Other times, it’s the beginning of something deeper. But no matter what, ignoring it rarely helps. Pediatricians can help families make informed decisions by offering clarity and eliminating pressure. They can also guide families toward affordable care options or school-based services if cost is a concern.

Signposting Families to Mental Health Services

When a teen is struggling, parents can often feel overwhelmed and unsure of what’s typical and what might need professional attention. Pediatricians can play a crucial role in helping families bridge that gap. But once a concern is raised or a mental health screenings for teens tool points to a deeper issue, what happens next?

This is where mental health referrals become essential. Getting a family connected to the right support system focuses on guiding them toward care that feels accessible, trustworthy, and tailored to their teen’s needs.

Unfortunately, many families still face significant barriers. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2023 found that in 2021, 1 in 5 adolescents had major depressive disorder, but less than half who needed treatment received any.⁴ Add to that the shortage of adolescent mental health professionals and long waitlists, and it’s no surprise that parents report feeling stuck.

Even when services are available, stigma or uncertainty can prevent families from taking the next step. That’s why organizations like Mission Prep exist. We support both providers and families in turning referrals into real progress.

Contact Mission Prep Today

At Mission Prep, we work alongside pediatricians and schools to provide direct access to high-quality mental health services for teens. Our programs are built around evidence-based care, trauma-informed practices, and collaborative support for families. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or something harder to name, our team is here to help young people find their footing and move forward with confidence.

We also make the referral process easier by making it simple for providers to connect directly with us. We also work with families to match them to the right level of care, whether it’s outpatient support, a more structured setting, or ongoing therapy. We believe in the power of early intervention and coordinated care. And most importantly, we believe in teens.

If you’re a parent, pediatrician, or school looking for guidance on teen mental health screening and referrals, reach out to us at (866) 841-6939 to get started.

References

Sappenfield, O., Alberto, C., Minnaert, J., Donney, J., Lebrun-Harris, L., & Ghandour, R. (2024, October). Adolescent mental and behavioral health, 2023. In National Survey of Children’s Health Data Briefs [Internet]. Health Resources and Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608531/
UCSF Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Portal. (n.d.). Screening tools. University of California, San Francisco. Retrieved April 18, 2025, from https://capp.ucsf.edu/content/screening-tools
Wissow, L. S., Brown, J., Fothergill, K. E., Gadomski, A., Hacker, K., Salmon, P., & Zelkowitz, R. (2013). Universal mental health screening in pediatric primary care: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(11), 1134–1147.e23. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3942871/#:~:text=Screening%20and%20initial%20treatment%20of,recommends%20screening%20for%20adolescent%20depression.
Flores, M. W., Sharp, A., Carson, N. J., & Cook, B. L. (2023). Estimates of major depressive disorder and treatment among adolescents by race and ethnicity. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(11), 1215. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3996

How Pediatricians Can Support Mental Health Referrals

The Growing Need for Pediatric Mental Health Support

Recognizing Red Flags: What Pediatricians Look For

Building Trust: How Pediatricians Create a Safe Space for Teens

Pediatric Advice For Teen Mental Health: How Can Pediatricians Support Teen Mental Health?

How Pediatricians Help With Mental Health: The Pediatrician’s Role in Early Mental Health Intervention

1. Making Mental Health Referrals: When and How

2. Mental Health Care Coordination For Teens: Coordinating Care With Mental Health Professionals

3. Supporting Families Through the Mental Health Journey

Addressing Common Concerns From Parents

Signposting Families to Mental Health Services

Contact Mission Prep Today

References

WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

We Also Work With Many Other Insurance Carriers

PLEASE REACH OUT TO VERIFY YOUR BENEFITS

ARE YOU OR A
LOVED ONE STRUGGLING

with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?

QUICKLINKS

Facilities

What We Treat

What Makes Us Different

Privacy Policy

Phone: 866-845-1391

Email: info@missionprephealthcare.com

Corporate Office: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. San Juan Capistrano CA 92675

Copyright 2024 © Mission Prep Healthcare. All Rights Reserved

How Pediatricians Can Support Mental Health Referrals

The Growing Need for Pediatric Mental Health Support

Recognizing Red Flags: What Pediatricians Look For

Building Trust: How Pediatricians Create a Safe Space for Teens

Pediatric Advice For Teen Mental Health: How Can Pediatricians Support Teen Mental Health?

How Pediatricians Help With Mental Health: The Pediatrician’s Role in Early Mental Health Intervention

1. Making Mental Health Referrals: When and How

2. Mental Health Care Coordination For Teens: Coordinating Care With Mental Health Professionals

3. Supporting Families Through the Mental Health Journey

Addressing Common Concerns From Parents

Signposting Families to Mental Health Services

Contact Mission Prep Today

References

WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

We Also Work With Many Other Insurance Carriers

PLEASE REACH OUT TO VERIFY YOUR BENEFITS

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING

with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?

QUICKLINKS

Facilities

What We Treat

What Makes Us Different

Privacy Policy

Phone: 866-845-1391

Email: info@missionprephealthcare.com

Corporate Office: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. San Juan Capistrano CA 92675

Copyright 2024 © Mission Prep Healthcare. All Rights Reserved

ARE YOU OR A
LOVED ONE STRUGGLING