Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing to Improve Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Youths With Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

Key Points Question Does pediatrician training in motivational interviewing (MI) facilitate the use of mental health care services for youths with chronic medical conditions? Findings In this cluster randomized trial with 164 youths with chronic medical conditions and comorbid anxiety or depression, training physicians in MI did not significantly improve uptake rates of psychological counseling among youths compared with usual care. MI training was associated with longer patient-physician conversations and lower anxiety scores at 1-year rescreening. Meaning More research is needed to determine whether training pediatricians in MI and allotting more consultation time to discuss mental health could facilitate use of counseling services by youths with chronic medical conditions.