Who should treat youth with emerging psychosis?

Despite evidence that adolescence represents a critical period of risk, many pediatric mental health providers have little training in the identification and treatment of psychotic disorders. This pilot study sought to assess pediatric and adult mental health providers' level of comfort with treating schizophrenia, engaging families, and working with schools. Pediatric mental health providers rated themselves as less experienced with schizophrenia, but more experienced with families and schools, relative to adult providers. The bifurcation of community mental health services into pediatric and adult clinics may play a role in maintaining this discrepancy in provider competencies.