Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Children with physical disabilities experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which have the potential to influence the course and outcomes of their rehabilitation. Although there is an increasing prevalence of psychiatric conditions in the pediatric population, access to mental health services for children remains low.
Objective: This literature-based review aims to examine the existing approaches towards mental health screening in pediatric rehabilitation settings, analyze how psychiatric comorbidities are being addressed, and determine what barriers are currently preventing the full integration of mental health screening in the care of children needing physical rehabilitation.
Methods: A literature-based review using PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies that evaluate mental health screening in pediatric rehabilitation settings. Findings were synthesized to highlight existing approaches, gaps in care, and opportunities for improved integration of mental health screening among this population.
Results: This search found consistent evidence showing that while many rehabilitation programs routinely screen for mental health comorbidities, there is a lack of standardization in screening tools and no consensus on how to best integrate mental health during children’s rehabilitation. Additionally, barriers such as limited health coverage, poverty, and workforce shortages place additional constraints on providing children with proper mental health care. Lastly, there is a gap in the current literature on studies with longitudinal outcomes investigating the impact of mental health screenings in pediatric rehabilitation and an underrepresentation of diverse pediatric populations, such as those with other disabilities.
Conclusion: Future interventions in pediatric rehabilitation should prioritize mental health screening to optimize both physical and psychological outcomes. Integrating systematic mental health screening into pediatric rehabilitation has the potential to improve identification of psychiatric comorbidities and establish a foundation for holistic, patient-centered care.
Embargo Period
6-2-2026
Included in
Integrating mental health screening into pediatric rehabilitation: bridging gaps in comprehensive care
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: Children with physical disabilities experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which have the potential to influence the course and outcomes of their rehabilitation. Although there is an increasing prevalence of psychiatric conditions in the pediatric population, access to mental health services for children remains low.
Objective: This literature-based review aims to examine the existing approaches towards mental health screening in pediatric rehabilitation settings, analyze how psychiatric comorbidities are being addressed, and determine what barriers are currently preventing the full integration of mental health screening in the care of children needing physical rehabilitation.
Methods: A literature-based review using PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies that evaluate mental health screening in pediatric rehabilitation settings. Findings were synthesized to highlight existing approaches, gaps in care, and opportunities for improved integration of mental health screening among this population.
Results: This search found consistent evidence showing that while many rehabilitation programs routinely screen for mental health comorbidities, there is a lack of standardization in screening tools and no consensus on how to best integrate mental health during children’s rehabilitation. Additionally, barriers such as limited health coverage, poverty, and workforce shortages place additional constraints on providing children with proper mental health care. Lastly, there is a gap in the current literature on studies with longitudinal outcomes investigating the impact of mental health screenings in pediatric rehabilitation and an underrepresentation of diverse pediatric populations, such as those with other disabilities.
Conclusion: Future interventions in pediatric rehabilitation should prioritize mental health screening to optimize both physical and psychological outcomes. Integrating systematic mental health screening into pediatric rehabilitation has the potential to improve identification of psychiatric comorbidities and establish a foundation for holistic, patient-centered care.