Integrating Psychological Care into Pediatric Sports Medicine: Levels of Collaboration and Common Referral Concerns

It is well established that psychological factors impact sport injuries, recovery, and return to sport among youth athletes. Medical associations and sport governing bodies have advocated for the assessment and intervention of mental health concerns among athletes. However, there is less research on methods of incorporating pediatric psychology services within sports medicine (SM) settings. By drawing on the framework of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-Health Resources and Services Administration for understanding and implementing medical and behavioral health integration, this paper outlines various approaches to utilizing pediatric psychologists' expertise in the treatment of youth athletes. Specifically, the paper focuses on how pediatric psychologists can support patient needs, contribute to research goals, and expand reach in SM clinics through coordinated, colocated, and integrated levels of care.Key concepts (1)Despite calls to assess and address athletes' mental health, there is little guidance on how to integrate psychology into pediatric sports medicine (SM) clinics.(2)Applying and adapting a preexisting framework for behavioral health and medical specialty integration provides guidance on how to integrate psychology into pediatric SM clinics.(3)Thoughtful relationships and integration between psychology and pediatric SM clinics have the potential to expand access, reduce stigma, and further the reach of SM clinics.