An innovative child psychiatry training program using a family-based model for at-risk military families

Abstract

Introduction

Few child psychiatrists are well trained in family-based interventions for military families who experience significant trauma, intergenerational posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression and high rates of suicide (Ramsawh et al., 2014). The innovative VA/UCLA/LACDMH Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training program, sponsored jointly by the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VA) and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LAC DMH), will address unmet needs of at-risk military families using a family-focused model also applicable to other families exposed to trauma.

Objectives

To present the curriculum of the VA/UCLA/LACDMH training program and details of the collaboration between the LA VA and LAC DMH.

Aims

To highlight how innovative child psychiatry training programs can be developed through creative institutional collaborations.

Methods

The VA/UCLA/LACDMH program family-based model and FOCUS (Lester et al., 2011) intervention were structured to meet regulatory standards of child psychiatry training programs.

Results

A specialized family-based child training program was created to meet the needs of at-risk military families while providing rigorous child and adolescent psychiatry training. Components Early Intervention Family Clinic for At-Risk Children provides family psychoeducation, and identifies children and adolescents at risk.

Focus

An evidence-based early intervention for at-risk military families to enhance resilience and mitigate stress through improved coping, increased problem solving, and effective communication.

Conclusions

A successful collaboration between the LA VA and LAC DMH can lead to an innovative family-based child psychiatry training program.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.