Introducing THERAPY! a Partnership with Allegro Pediatrics
Thanks to Allegro Pediatrics’ Pediatrician, Dr. Megan Kullnat, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Amy Carter, a pilot program was launched between our organizations in January. We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking coordinated care program called THERAPY! (Transdisciplinary Health Equity Relationship: Allegro Pediatrics & YES) designed to provide Apple Health/Medicaid-eligible youth and their families with seamless access to both physical and mental healthcare services, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated experience.
Addressing a Growing Need
American youth are facing unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. The shortage of trained pediatric mental health providers in the U.S. exacerbates this crisis. The Collaborative Care Management model, first developed at the University of Washington, has shown that patients receiving goal-based, focused, collaborative behavioral health care are twice as likely to get better in a significantly shorter period (86 days versus 614 days) (University of Washington, 2023).
A Team-Based Approach
Our new THERAPY! program is tailored for youth aged 10-18 who are Medicaid eligible, established patients of Allegro Pediatrics, and live in East King County. Once enrolled, families are assigned a dedicated care team of four individuals from both Allegro Pediatrics and YES. The program lasts 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending it for six months depending on success goals.
Currently, we’ve enrolled 30 clients identified as high risk for trauma and adversity. Patients are referred by their Allegro Primary Care Provider for behavioral health challenges. Care is delivered at YES, with the integrated care team meeting weekly to assess progress and adjust care plans monthly with the patient’s PCP.
Making an Impact Together
Community support and strategic partnerships are instrumental in driving programs like the THERAPY! Coordinated care initiative and enabled YES to extend its reach and impact among at-risk youth. These programs, which are made possible through the backing of donors, community members, and collaborative partnerships, enable YES to focus on education, implementation, and support for the highest-risk youth.
By working together, we can improve efficiencies in the behavioral health care system and ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive.
New programs like THERAPY! are only made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Please consider making a gift today to continue providing children, youth, and families with the services and programs that support their mental health and recovery.
Thanks to donations like yours, no family is turned away because they can’t afford to pay for services.
