Understanding the role of pediatric psychologists in supporting caregivers: a national survey.

Objective: This study aimed to benchmark pediatric psychologists' involvement in caregiver support and identify actionable strategies to enhance training, practice, and advocacy for caregiver well-being and health equity.

Methods: A benchmark survey was completed by 119 pediatric psychologists and trainees, primarily recruited through Society of Pediatric Psychology membership. The 36-item survey assessed training, supervision, screening/intervention practices, billing, documentation, institutional support, and confidence in delivering culturally adapted, evidence-based care for caregivers. Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify baseline trends and develop actionable goals.

Results: Findings revealed substantial variability in the practice of caregiver support by pediatric psychologists and trainees. About half of the respondents reported regularly screening and/or providing interventions for caregivers, though implementation varied significantly. Only 38% of respondents regularly billed for caregiver services, typically using mental health and health/behavior codes, and often documented these services in the child's medical record. Many participants (54%) expressed a need for additional training, and 70% reported insufficient institutional support for navigating caregiver-focused care. Confidence in providing culturally adapted, evidence-based treatments for caregivers varied widely, highlighting significant gaps in training and institutional resources to address diverse caregiver needs.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for enhanced training, institutional support, and resources for pediatric psychologists to address caregiver well-being, with a focus on cultural sensitivity. Strengthening these areas is critical to advancing health equity, and pediatric psychologists are well-positioned to lead efforts in integrating science, practice, and advocacy to address systemic disparities in caregiver support.