16% of children under the age of 6 face mental health challenges that need intervention.1
Despite this, most of the limited resources in Virginia are directed toward older children and teens, leaving these younger children vulnerable. VMAP noticed this gap and advocated for additional state funding to expand our services into early childhood mental health. Since primary care providers (PCPs) see children at least 12 times for well-child visits before the age of 5, VMAP’s Early Childhood Expansion provides the training and support PCPs need to recognize and respond to concerns in a timely manner.
VMAP’s Early Childhood Expansion Includes:
1. The Addition of an Early Childhood Hub to the VMAP Line
Virginia PCPs can now “press 6 for under 6” when they call the VMAP Line to connect with VMAP’s early childhood hub. This hub is staffed with early childhood consulting physicians (such as developmental/behavioral pediatricians and child psychiatrists) and early childhood care navigators.
2. New Early Childhood Provider Education Opportunities
VMAP began offering new trainings focused on early childhood mental health, including two new Early Childhood ECHO cohorts, learning collaboratives, and a Triple P training pilot.
VMAP’s early childhood committee continues to explore new ways to support Virginia PCPs navigating the mental health of patients under 6.