Virginia pediatric clinic expands in response to the growing need for specialized pediatric care. UVA Health Children’s and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital have partnered to establish the UVA Health Children’s Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Health Clinic. Opening its doors on December 20, 2024, this clinic aims to provide comprehensive services to children across Central Virginia.
Addressing a Critical Need
- Prevalence of Conditions: Approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. experience mental health conditions, and 1 in 6 have developmental disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with significant increases in anxiety and depression among youth.
- Comprehensive Services: The Children’s Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Health Clinic offers a range of services, including care for neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism and ADHD, evidence-based therapies for mental health concerns, and integrative health practices such as mindfulness and medical yoga. Notably, it is the first in the region equipped for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, targeting early childhood behavioral issues.
Expert Perspectives About the Children’s Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Health Clinic
- Dr. K. Craig Kent, MD: As the Chief Executive Officer of UVA Health and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Virginia, Dr. Kent emphasizes the clinic’s significance: “This clinic marks a new day for the care of children in our region with behavioral health and neurodevelopmental conditions.”
- Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA: The Chief Executive Officer of UVA Health University Medical Center, Horton highlights the collaborative effort: “With the support of several local donors and our partners at Sentara Martha Jefferson, we are honored to open this much-needed resource for the children of our region.”
- Paul Gaden: Senior Vice President and Regional President of Sentara Health, Gaden notes the partnership’s impact: “This clinic represents a significant step forward in providing children and their families with the specialized care they need.”
- Dr. Madhusmita Misra, MD, MPH: Serving as the Physician-in-Chief for UVA Health Children’s and Chair of UVA’s Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Misra underscores the importance of early intervention: “Starting care early is critical to addressing the mental health and developmental health needs of children.”
Commitment to Accessibility
The Children’s Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Health Clinic is dedicated to equitable access, accepting both private insurance and Medicaid, and providing services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Interpreter services are available for non-English-speaking families, ensuring comprehensive care for all children in the region.
This collaborative initiative marks a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare, offering essential services to support the well-being and development of children throughout Central Virginia.
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