Bowen Projects

Pathways to Sustainability: A Road Map for Child Psychiatry Access Programs

The Bowen Center conducted research to explore long-term funding solutions for Indiana’s Be Happy program. This project evaluates five funding models to ensure continued impact and inform future policy for Child Psychiatry Access Programs.

About this Project

The Pathways to Sustainability: A Road Map for Child Psychiatry Access Programs project explores sustainable funding mechanisms for Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth (“Be Happy”). Be Happy and other child psychiatry access programs connect pediatric primary care providers with board certified child and adolescent psychiatrists when they need assessment, diagnosis, medication, or treatment support.

Since its launch in 2019, Be Happy has served nearly 3,000 patients across 95% of Indiana’s counties and was highlighted as strategic innovation in the 2022 Indiana Behavioral Health Commission Report. This program is expanding access to specialized mental health care for Hoosier youth and is currently grant funded. Identifying a sustainable funding source to ensure long-term operations and expanded service delivery is a top priority.

The Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy has conducted state and federal policy research to identify potential sustainable models for Be Happy operations. The research was validated and enhanced by key informant interviews held with selected state CPAPs and executive branch agencies. This project identifies and evaluates five primary funding models based on their impact, sustainability, and feasibility.

funding models

1. Grant funding
2. Insurer-funded
3. Direct reimbursement
4. State appropriations
5. Health system initiative

By highlighting both the successes of Be Happy and the challenges of sustaining such programs, this project aims to inform future funding strategies and policy decisions that will secure continued access to mental health care for Indiana’s youth.