Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced a new program last week that will enable children who have mental health and substance abuse issues to get better help. Called Illinois DocAssist, the consultation program helps primary care providers offer better treatment.

"Due to a shortage of child psychiatrists, many children who have special mental healthcare needs or who are battling substance abuse problems receive treatment not from psychiatrists but from pediatricians and family doctors. Through Illinois DocAssist, those providers will have access to consultations, the latest in educational tools, trainings and other resources..."

By making these resources available, the program will improve the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders by primary care physicians and pediatricians. Source: EMaxHealth

Labels: abuse, mental_health, treatment