Children's Mental Health
Mental health is an extremely important aspect of the developing brain that can alter a child’s potential for growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes mental health disorders amongst children as “serious change in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions.” These changes can cause children to feel distressed and potentially increase problems throughout their day, interfering with school, home, or other activities. The social isolation accompanied by the COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted children's mental health and has led to an increase in acute stress diagnoses and adjustment disorders.
Childhood mental disorders can be treated and managed. If you have concerns about a child, use these resources to help you find a healthcare provider familiar with treatment options:
- Psychologist Locator, a service of the American Psychological Association (APA) Practice Organization.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder, a research tool by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
- Find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, a search tool by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
- If you need help finding treatment facilities, visit MentalHealth.gov
For more information about communicating with children and young adults about mental health, check out our article about Youth Mental Health.