Effectiveness of an Online Parenting Training

Child and adolescent behavioral health problems are related to the leading causes of youth morbidity and mortality. Parent-focused preventive interventions, such as GenerationPMTO (GenPMTO), effectively prevent behavioral health problems such as depression and conduct disorders. Unfortunately, parenting programs are not widely available nor well-attended. Pediatric primary care (PC) is a non-stigmatizing setting with nearly universal reach and, therefore, an ideal access point to increase availability. However, PC personnel are not trained to address behavioral health topics. Also, typical referral practices are inadequate. There is a need to develop effective referral practices in conjunction with increasing availability. There are also logistical barriers to attending in-person parenting programs, like the need for childcare and a large time-commitment. There is a need to overcome these logistical barriers with more accessible programs. The long-term goal is to prevent significant behavioral health problems by increasing access to GenPMTO.