Current Projects
The Rybak Lab is involved in several projects focused on child mental and physical health and health disparities with an integrated behavioral health approach to care. Among these include clinical trials focused on obesity prevention in a pediatric primary care setting and the implementation of integrated behavioral health services with the goal of early identification and treatment of emotional and behavioral concerns. At the core of these projects is an emphasis in the training of multidisciplinary, collaborative teams made up of health care providers with the goal of improving skills necessary to successfully implement integrated behavioral health care models.
Obesity Prevention in Pediatric Primary Care
At the heart of our research lies a critical issue: health disparities in obesity, which emerge early in life and persist over time. We aim to address this issue proactively by preventing rapid weight gain in infancy – a critical period for establishing healthy habits.
We believe that responsive parenting holds tremendous promise as an intervention strategy. By nurturing a strong bond between caregivers and infants, we aim to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy growth and development.
To achieve this, we have developed THRIVE – an innovative intervention designed to build off of parents strengths and prevent obesity in infants facing increased risk due to various factors. What sets THRIVE apart is its seamless integration into pediatric primary care settings, where families are comfortable and actively involved in their children’s healthcare journey.
Through our proof-of-concept trial, we have witnessed promising results, demonstrating that a responsive parenting approach within primary care can make a significant difference in the health outcomes of infants facing vulnerabilities linked to economic and social circumstances.
Our article, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, offers a comprehensive overview of our pilot randomized trial and the THRIVE intervention. We warmly invite you to explore our research and join us in our collective effort to make a positive impact on pediatric obesity prevention and contribute to building a more equitable and healthier world for our youngest generation. For a detailed understanding of our research, please read the full article here.
Integrated Behavioral Health Prevention
Our Integrated Behavioral Health team is focused on addressing the pressing issue of emotional and behavioral problems in young children, which can significantly impact both the child and their family. These problems often lead to chronic disorders and adverse outcomes, affecting various communities, particularly racial and ethnic minorities and children living in poverty.
Healthcare utilization data reveals low rates of treatment access for mental health issues, highlighting the urgency for early identification and intervention. However, evidence-based treatment programs are not consistently available, and there are several structural and systemic barriers preventing underserved populations from accessing mental health care.
To tackle these challenges, our research emphasizes the importance of pediatric primary care (PPC) as an ideal setting for connecting families with early mental health treatment. Nearly 90% of all U.S. children receive care in primary care settings yearly, providing a unique opportunity for screenings during well-child visits. Integrating behavioral health (IBH) services within PPC offers a chance to improve the quality and equity of care provided to patients and families.
Our team has been working on developing an IBH model embedded within well-child visits during the first five years of children's lives. This model allows for early identification of emotional and behavioral concerns and provides timely evidence-based treatment. To further enhance this approach, we are working to develop an mHealth integrated tool that optimizes our treatment's reach, relevance, engagement, and impact for children and families, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
Overall, we are committed to bridging the gap in mental health care for underserved populations and promoting health equity and anti-racism in pediatric care. Through our evidence-based interventions and innovative approaches, we hope to make a significant impact on the well-being of children and families.
Integrated Behavioral Health Training
We are proud to announce that our Cincinnati Children's Integrated Behavioral Health program has been recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in recognition of our commitment to expanding and enhancing access to mental and behavioral health care (MH/BH) through our Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) program and training. As the sole pediatric institution to receive this honor in 2023, we stand out for our dedication to addressing the critical issue of accessible mental and behavioral health care especially for those in marginalized communities.
Through IBH models of care, we employ multi-disciplinary teams that collaborate to provide coordinated medical and behavioral health care and evidence-based strategies. Our dedication to IBH care has led to demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes, greater access to care, and a reduction in the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support.
Being situated within an academic medical center allows us to lead the charge in delivering IBH care. While we face various challenges, we believe that interprofessional team training is the key to overcoming these obstacles. By optimizing the expertise of each team member, enhancing care coordination, and fostering strong collaboration, we can continue to innovate and improve our IBH programs. The 2023 award recognizes our program as providing an exceptional IBH program within our academic medical center that focuses on team training and equipping providers and trainees with the essential skills and competencies needed to thrive in IBH care models. We are truly honored to be at the forefront of this transformative movement in mental and behavioral health care, and we remain committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to all those we serve.
