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Information on Behavior Health Topics for Kids

According to the Report of the Surgeon General, over 14 million American children and adolescents have a mental health disorder. Children and adolescents with a mental health disorder usually are not diagnosed for this condition. Primary care clinicians are medical health professionals that manage children with mental health concerns, and they provide valuable information to parents about children and their behavioral problems.

  1. Statistical Information

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that 9.5 percent to 14 percent of children from birth to 5 years of age have some form of social and emotional problems that cause suffering and interfere with family functioning. Close to 21 percent of children and adolescents within the U.S. can be classified as having a mental health disorder and a minimal form of impairment. AAP also states that only 20 percent of the children who have a mental disorder receive treatment for their condition. There are many reasons why children do not receive treatment, but the lack of effective programs and services top the list. Since there are not a lot of resources to treat adolescents and children, most of the mental health community typically focuses its efforts on children who need the most care.

    Pediatrics Clinicians

    • The AAP says that pediatric primary care clinicians play an increasingly important role in promoting the social and emotional treatment of children with mental disorders. The academy also expects pediatric clinicians to change pediatric primary care practice by transforming knowledge, skills, administrative procedures, relationships and resources. Pediatric clinicians also help parents to locate important resources and programs that will help them address their children's mental disorder.

    NJ Children Services

    • New Jersey Division of Child Behavioral Health Services offer programs and services for children with emotional and behavioral health issues. They offer these services based on the needs of a particular family. Its programs are family-centered and community-based. DCBHS also involves a child's family during the planning and treatment process. This state organization offers resources and programs for parents that deal with adolescent suicide, depression and traumatic loss.

    DPBHS

    • Delaware's Department of Children Services for Children, Youth and their Families sponsors the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS). This organization provides prevention and intervention services and substance abuse treatment to families and children that reside in the state of Delaware. Mental health disorders and risky behaviors are two areas where DPBHS employs their services, and they also provide psycho-education materials along with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

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