Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville has announced a new program that will help meet the growing demand for pediatric behavioral health services.
The Pediatric Acute Telemental Health (PATH) program provides video visits to North Florida area families with children ages 2-17 for mental health issues including ADHD, behavior problems, depression and anxiety.
There has been a marked increase in mental health issues among children in recent years. In 2023, Nemours KidsHealth commissioned the “What’s Worrying America’s Kids” survey. The data showed more than one in three children worry at least once a week, primarily about school and friendships, with their tendency to worry progressing with age.
There are significant barriers to mental health services, such as cost and not enough providers. Those factors, combined with increased demand, often lead to wait times of six months or more.
“We know that children are struggling, and more often than not, long waiting lists keep them from getting an appointment, making the problem worse,” said Amanda Lochrie, Ph.D, licensed psychologist and division chief, psychology, Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. “We want parents to know that they are not alone during challenging times and that through PATH they can get help quickly.”
PATH offers children short-term care with a licensed mental health provider within a week. The team of professionals provides assessment and treatment recommendations, crisis intervention, referrals and brief treatment options.
A PATH appointment is a face-to-face video visit with a mental health professional. Children do not have to be a Nemours Children’s patient to access the program. PATH offers extended hours for appointments, as well as Saturday appointment times. PATH hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. A visit can cost as little as nothing or a copay, depending on insurance coverage of telehealth services.
“Nemours’ vision is to address the issues that impact children today to create the healthiest generations of children,” said Lochrie. “We know access to mental health care is one of the most important factors in a child’s development and through PATH, we hope to help achieve that goal,”
The PATH program is available for children 2-17 who live in the following counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns.
Request an appointment by calling 904-697-3600. Press 2 for appointments, or use the Nemours app to request an appointment:
