New resource for primary care providers to help determine mental health issues in kids

A program set to start in the region this November will add another resource for children dealing with mental health issues.

It is called "PAL plus," an expansion of the "PAL" program from University of Washington Seattle Children Hospital, which is set to be rolled out in Benton and Franklin counties.

Doctor Robert Hilt says the resource will provide advice to primary care providers, which in turn can help them successfully screen kids for mental health problems.

"We are trying to find a way for this to work in a community where resources are thin, to try to leverage to help more effective primary care mental health delivery," says Hilt.

If all goes to plan, it could expand to more eastern Washington counties.