Practice that Translates to Real-World Confidence

Strengthening Collaboration Between EDs and Pediatricians

PMHCAs are uniquely positioned to support EDs with flexible, role-specific education strategies that fit within the fast-paced, 24/7 clinical environment. By customizing content for nurses, physicians, and unlicensed staff and delivering it through quick, accessible formats like pre-shift huddles, standing meetings, and virtual sessions, PMHCAs can ensure all staff, including night and weekend teams, receive the same essential training.

Learning Strategy Spotlight: Minnesota Mental Health Collaboration Hub

The Minnesota Mental Health Collaboration Hub (MHCH) is a powerful example of how PMHCA programs can lead collaborative training and care coordination. Developed to reduce pediatric psychiatric boarding, the hub connects providers to real-time behavioral health consultations, shared tools, and ongoing education, serving as both a clinical solution and a cross-team learning engine.

What Makes it Effective :

  • Real-time consultation and support for ED and primary care teams
  • Centralized tracking and insights dashboard to guide quality improvement
  • A model that blends clinical care with ongoing education, data use, and systems alignment

By utilizing the MHCH, Minnesota State PMHCA reported:

  • 55% reduction in boarding days for youth in crisis (October 2023-January 2024)
  • 80% discharged in under 45 days
  • 24 fewer days overall for youth boarding

Explore the Minnesota Mental Health Collaboration Hub



Learning Strategy Spotlight: Michigan MC3 Emergency and Crisis Services Consultation

Michigan's MC3 program offers another powerful example of PMHCA-led innovation. Through its Emergency and Crisis Services Consultation model, MC3 provides ED teams with rapid psychiatric consultation, care coordination, and educational support to strengthen real-time clinical decision-making for youth in crisis.

What Makes it Effective :

  • Rapid behavioral health consultation available during crises
  • Support for ED clinicians navigating disposition and safety planning
  • Training and resources integrated into statewide crisis response efforts

Explore MC3 Emergency and Crisis Services Consultation

Simulation in Practice: 15-Year-Old with Suicidal Ideation

Use this case to help ED and pediatric teams practice mental health triage and crisis decision-making together.

Scenario Summary:

A 15-year-old presents to the ED after texting with a friend about wanting to die. Simulation walks teams through ASQ screening, safety planning, communication with family, and care coordination with pediatricians.

PMHCA Can:

  • Lead simulation sessions or integrate into existing training
  • Guide teams through proper screening and documentation practices
  • Demonstrate their role in post-discharge support

Learning Objectives:

  • Screen with ASQ and assess with SAFE-T
  • Determine safe discharge vs inpatient referral
  • Communicate findings to caregivers and pediatricians

Sustained Learning: Project ECHO for ED and Pediatric Teams

Virtual, case-based learning communities that bring together pediatricians, ED staff, and PMHCA experts to develop shared approaches to complex behavioral health cases.

What Project ECHO Offers:

  • Virtual case-based learning across EDs and primary care
  • Expert panels guiding real-world mental health scenarios
  • Peer-to-peer consultation and skills-building
  • Focus topics: suicide risk, trauma, substance use, crisis de-escalation

PMHCA’s Role is to:

  • Organize and facilitate Project ECHO sessions or other training sessions
  • Integrate local protocols and escalation tools
  • Offer CME/QI credits for ongoing engagement

Note:

Project ECHO is a national model covering many specialties and topics. The link below includes broad information. PMHCA sessions apply the model specifically to pediatric behavioral health and ED practice

Learn More About Project ECHO

State Partnership Managers are your frontline partners in strengthening pediatric readiness and expanding mental health training. They understand your system, know your resources, and can connect your ED directly to PMHCA support.

Your State Partnership Manager Can Help You:

  • Determine the right training options for your ED
  • Connect your team to PMHCA experts and resources
  • Provide state-specific pediatric readiness tools and data
  • Support quality improvement and readiness assessments
  • Align ED needs with statewide protocols and funding
  • Troubleshoot barriers and sustain progress

Not sure where to start?

Your State Partnership Manager can guide the way.

Find Your State Partnership Manager

PMHCA Checklist: Hands-On Training for Real-World Confidence

Use the checklist to help EDs and pediatric teams build shared protocols, deliver role-specific training, and coordinate care for pediatric mental health emergencies effectively.

Download Checklist
Back to ED and Pediatrician Collaboration