Overview

Child and adolescent behavioral health problems are related to the leading causes of youth morbidity and mortality. Parent-focused interventions effectively prevent behavioral health problems such as depression and conduct disorders and can provide a downstream economic benefit to society by reducing criminal activity, education costs, and health care use.

Unfortunately, parenting programs are not widely available, accessible, nor well-attended.

Pediatric primary care is a non-stigmatizing setting with nearly universal reach and, therefore, an ideal contact point to increase access. However, primary care clinicians (PCCs) often have insufficient training in behavioral health topics and typical referral practices are inadequate.

There are also logistical barriers to attending in-person parenting programs, like the need for childcare and a large time-commitment. There is a need to develop effective referral practices in conjunction with increasing the accessibility of parenting programs. The study long-term goal is to prevent significant behavioral health problems through widespread access to effective and accessible parenting programs through primary care referrals.

In this study there are two trials: First is the primary care clinicians "PCC" trial, testing the effectiveness of referral training (aim 1). Second is the parents "eGen" trial provided by therapists, testing the effectiveness of eGen parenting intervention (aim 2).

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inclusion criteria for parent in the randomized controlled trial include being a parent or caregiver of a child ages 3 to 8 and having a referral to a participating therapist from a primary care provider.
• The only inclusion criteria is that participants be a PCC who sees children between the ages of 3- 8 years old. PCCs must also have approval from their clinic to participate. Vulnerable populations will not be targeted from inclusion but may be included if they meet the previously stated inclusion criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parents would be excluded if there is a reasonable belief that participating could increase danger to a child or if they are psychologically unable to engage in the intervention activities.