2024 Children's of Alabama/UAB Annual Report

“ “There is still a lot of stigma associated with mental health illness, and having the services offered in a clinic make it that much easier for the families to follow through on treatment recommendations.”

amount accept Medicaid. Through treatment in the PCC, patients may be seen in a more efficient manner and reduce the burden on the families to find someone that has availability, accepts their insurance and is at an easily accessible location. In the PCC, Canter sees children, adolescents and their families for individual, family and parenting therapy sessions. In her role in the clinic, Canter provides same day consults when a pediatrician identifies a patient who could benefit from mental health support. In addition to consults, she also schedules intake appointments where the child and caregiver meet with her to determine if they would benefit from the brief treatment provided in the clinic or for recommendations for more long-term support in the community. Most often she provides individual treatment for anxiety, depression, and/or trauma and parenting support/family therapy to manage ADHD and disruptive behaviors. “I think the integrated service has increased access to mental health services for a historically underserved population,” explains Canter. “I also think it has taken some of the burden off the doctors to have to figure

– Margaret Canter, Ph.D.

knowledge deficits on common mental health problems pediatricians face.

out how to best address the mental health issues that the patients present.”

In 2024, the PCC saw 436 patients for mental health services and continue to see the impact of this integrated approach to mental health care.

As part of her role in the

“One of my goals has been to be an ambassador for mental health services,” said Canter. “I want families to know that treatment is not forever, progress is possible after a few sessions, and to have a positive experience in case that child or someone else in the family needs mental health support in the future. I think we’re getting there!”

PCC, Canter also provides education and training for pediatric residents and psychology Ph.D.

Margaret Canter, Ph.D.

and graduate students who are rotating through the clinic. She is the content expert for patient screening and evaluation and addresses resident

2024 Academic Annual Report

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