Service Delivery in Child Psychiatry: Provider Shortage Isn't the Only Problem

Although the shortage of pediatric mental health practitioners in the United States is often cited as the major stumbling block to good care, several deficiencies and problems related to service delivery may be just as great a threat to the delivery of child and adolescent psychological and psychiatric clinical care. Problems and suggestions for change related to research, training, insurance, hospitalization, practitioner collaboration and role definition are discussed.