Community health workers as providers of pediatric behavioral healthcare: a scoping review and call to action for pediatric psychologists

Authors: Erin M Rodríguez, PhD , Jendayi Dillard-Cooke, PhD , Spencer Westcott, MA , Hadi Fareed, BS , Ricardo Garay, BBA

This review looked at how community health workers have been involved in improving children’s health in the United States. It reviewed 151 studies covering different physical, mental, and behavioural health needs and found that CHWs often focused mainly on health education and community outreach, even though they can provide a wider range of support. Many studies also gave little information about CHW training and supervision. The study highlights the need to better recognise CHWs as part of healthcare teams and involve them more fully in supporting children and families.