The balance between mental health and medical

professionals provides clients with a wider array of services. By educating the PCPs about the impact of trauma and ACEs on behavior and later physical health challenges, therapy can be initiated early so that children and adult clients can receive the appropriate care. In the end, this type of integrated health care can reduce health care cost and has the potential to produce cost effective healthier, happier children and families.

References Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Bremner, J. D., Walker, J. D., Whitfield, C., Perry, B. D, . . . Giles, W. H. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 256, 174-186. doi: 10.1007/s00406-005- 0624-4.

Axline, V. M. (1969). Play therapy. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V, . . . Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 14(4), 245- 258.

Gruttadaro, D., & Markey, D. (2011). Integrating mental health and pediatric primary care: A family guide. Arlington, VA: National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Lindquist, B., Carlsson, G., Persson, E.-K., & Uvebrant, P. (2006). Behavioural problems and autism in children with hydrocephalus: A population-based study. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 15(4), 214-219, doi: 10.1007/ s00787-006-0525-8

Perry, B. D., Pollard, R. A., Blakley, T. L., Baker, W. L., & Vigilante, D. (1995). Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, the “use-dependent” development of the brain: How “states” become “traits.” Infant Mental Health Journal, 16(4), 271-291.

Pidano, A. E., Meyers, J. C., & Honigfeld, L. (2011, September). Pediatric psychopharmacology: Improving care through co-management. Farmington, CT: Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut.

About the Author Ana Ashton, M.A., LPC, CTS, IMH-II, RPT, has practiced as an integrated health care therapist providing therapy to families in Wayne County, Michigan. Currently, she is a program supervisor for children and family services at a community mental health agency. She is a 2011 APT Leadership Academy graduate and an APT

Public Awareness Task Force, APT Registration & Continuing Education Committee, and Michigan APT Nomination and Elections Committee member. ana.k.ashton@gmail.com

10 PLAYTHERAPY | September 2014 www.a4pt.org