The Academy advocates for policies that support a comprehensive approach to children’s mental health that addresses prevention, early treatment and crisis response.
Our Advocacy Priorities
Mental and behavioral health concerns in children and teens have been on the rise for many years. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing need for increased child and adolescent behavioral health care, with studies finding higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic symptoms among children, especially among young people of color.
Pediatricians, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Children's Hospitals Declare National Emergency for Children's Mental Health
The AAP, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children's Hospital Association recently declared a national state of emergency for child and adolescent mental health.
Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention
The AAP and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention published a Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention, which includes advocacy and policy priorities to support young people.
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Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Principles
The Academy released Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Principles with nearly 30 other organizations, identifying concrete opportunities to improve and enhance mental health services.
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