CPAN and PeriPAN supports family physicians and the families we serve

By Ike Okwuwa, MD, TAFP President
March 03, 2026

Greeting colleagues. As family physicians, we care for patients and families through every stage of life. We are often the first to identify mental health concerns. Access networks increase identification of mental and behavioral health conditions by more than 40%, according to a 2023 study in “Clinical Pediatrics,” underscoring the value of timely, expert support in family medicine.

That is why the TAFP Board of Directors voted in January to strongly endorse the Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN) and the Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network (PeriPAN) as trusted clinical resources for family medicine practices.

CPAN and PeriPAN provide real-time access to mental health experts, including child, adolescent, and reproductive psychiatry. These programs are designed to support family physicians through:

  • real-time peer-to-peer phone consultation;
  • vetted, personalized referrals and resources;
  • one-time direct psychiatric consultations so your patients don’t wait; and
  • free high-yield CME offerings.

CPAN supports mental health care for children and adolescents, while PeriPAN provides expertise for the mental health care of pregnant and postpartum women.

Importantly, this access model works. Research published in “Clinical Pediatrics” in 2023 found a 43% increase in the identification of mental and behavioral health conditions after clinicians enrolled in the Wisconsin Child Psychiatry Consultation Program — a model similar to CPAN. These findings underscore how access networks like CPAN and PeriPAN strengthen family physicians’ ability to recognize and address mental health needs earlier and more effectively.

How CPAN and PeriPAN work
  • Call (888) 907-2726 with a question or concern.
  • A trained mental health expert answers immediately (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT).
  • If needed, a psychiatrist will call back within 30 minutes or at a time that works for you.

These programs reflect the central role family physicians play in identifying and coordinating mental health care. By using CPAN and PeriPAN, we can address concerns earlier and improve outcomes for patients and families across Texas.

No question is too small, and I encourage you to use these resources as often as needed.

You can stay up to date with CPAN and PeriPAN program features, free CME opportunities, and additional resources on Facebook and LinkedIn.