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
Children and youth should have access to affordable, comprehensive mental and behavioral health care. AAP supports efforts to make new, dedicated investments that are designed to support a full range of pediatric mental and behavioral health services across multiple settings and to grow the pediatric mental health workforce to deliver this essential care. AAP also advocates against billing and payment restrictions that make it harder to provide mental and behavioral health care.
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 in 2021 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.
Learn More
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coalition
The AAP-led Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coalition updated Mental and Behavioral Health Principles with 30 other organizations and engages in other activities to support access to needed mental and behavioral health care for children and adolescents.
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Last Updated
09/05/2023
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics