Coordination of Office Hours and Peer Support

Comprehensive Guidelines for Pediatric Mental Health Care

EDs, pediatrician offices, and mental healthcare providers each play crucial roles in supporting youth in crisis, but often lack opportunities to connect. PMHCA-led peer networks and office hours create intentional time for collaboration through informal, recurring virtual sessions. These gatherings offer space for case-based learning, system coordination, and direct access to PMHCA expertise.

Whether you call them Office Hours or Peer Forums, these sessions provide:

  • Case reviews and problem-solving for real encounters
  • Updates or walk-throughs of tools
  • Provide direct access to PMHCAs for questions and consults
  • Strengthen relationships across the mental health ecosystem

How to Set Up Peer Forums or Office Hours:

  • Identify key audiences such as EDs, pediatricians, behavioral health providers, and school health teams.
  • Send a clear invite by email with schedule, goals, and a Zoom link.
  • Set up a recurring session at a specific date and time. Monthly is the recommended frequency.

  • Create a recurring Zoom link and calendar invite.
  • Keep sessions short (30-45 mins) and consistent (monthly is ideal).
  • Collect suggested topics in advance via a simple form or shared doc.

  • Welcome and ground rules
  • Case review or shared challenge
  • Highlight of a new tool or resource
  • Q&A for ongoing support
  • Closing, key takeaways, and reminders

Tip: Emphasize that these are safe, non-evaluative spaces for discussion and learning. Regular hosts help maintain trust and consistency.

  • Send a thank you and recap email with any resources discussed
  • Use a simple survey every few months to gather feedback and improve sessions
  • Track engagement to identify champions and encourage peer leadership

PMHCA Checklist: Hosting Effective PMHCA Peer Forums or Office Hours

Use this checklist to plan and run effective PMHCA Peer Forums or Office Hours.

Download Checklist
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