For Parents:
How We Help
We focus on collaboration and serving the entire family. Our network of specialists works with you and your child’s health care providers to create individualized plans and goals to meet your needs.
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other mental health concerns can be difficult because there is no lab test to confirm it. A doctor must complete an assessment by evaluating your child’s development and behavior to make a diagnosis.
Developmental delays can become concerning as early as 16 months, but older children and teens can also be diagnosed. Begin the process as soon as you have concerns about your child’s development. Studies have shown the earlier a treatment program begins, the better results for the child in the long term.
What to Expect
Your pediatrician will compare your child’s progress to age-based milestones, observing independence along with communication, social, emotional and physical development. This may include observing your child during a structured test or play and questionnaires to be completed by you and other caregivers. If these observations raise concerns, your pediatrician will consult with experts on our multi-disciplinary team of pediatric mental health specialists to recommend next steps and develop a treatment plan that works for your child and your family.
Our team will provide you with education, resources and support throughout this journey.
For Providers:
The Chickasaw Nation Pediatric Collaborative is improving youth mental health service access in rural Oklahoma for First American children.
This project establishes a network connecting regional health care providers with therapists and specialists across the country, enabling pediatric primary care to integrate behavioral health. Providers can collaborate through our telehealth access programs for individual case consultation, training and educational opportunities, with a strong focus on autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and treatment.
With improved access to knowledge and integration of culturally resonant treatment approaches, the Chickasaw Nation Pediatric Collaborative is helping pediatric practice teams provide effective, critically needed mental health treatment. Pediatric mental health care teams provide teleconsultation, training and care coordination support for pediatric primary care providers to diagnose, treat and refer children with behavioral health conditions.
Join Our Collaborative
Chickasaw Nation Department of Health providers in pediatrics, residency and medical family therapy participate in this network.
Outpatient and residential therapists and other projects serving children and adolescents can access resources for education and training. Individual and group incentives are available for joining the Chickasaw Nation Pediatric Collaborative.