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Children’s mental health

来源：泰然健康网时间：2026年02月27日 22:10

Why is children’s mental health important?

Mental health—an essential part of children’s overall health—has a complex interactive relationship with their physical health and their ability to succeed in school, at work, and in society. Both physical and mental health affect how we think, feel, and act on the inside and outside. Mental health is important throughout childhood—from prenatal considerations through transitions to adulthood.

For instance, an overweight young boy who is teased about his weight may withdraw socially and become depressed and may be reluctant to play with others or exercise, which further contributes to his poorer physical health and as a result poorer mental health. These issues have long-term implications on the ability of children to fulfill their potential as well as consequences for the health, education, labor, and criminal justice systems of our society.

For instance, a boy named Bobby is being physically abused by his father and often acts out aggressively at school. His behavior is a natural reaction to the abuse, but his behavior may also mark the beginning of undiagnosed conduct disorder. His teachers simply see him as a troublemaker and continually punish his behavior. Later, Bobby drops out of school as a teenager because he finds it a harsh and unwelcoming environment and is anxious to leave his abusive home and fend for himself. However, holding down a job is difficult because Bobby often clashes with his coworkers and supervisors due to his aggression. Bobby has also begun to self-medicate by abusing alcohol and has been arrested a number of times for drunken disorderliness. By the time Bobby finally receives a proper diagnosis of his conduct disorder and substance abuse, he is in his 30s and his mental health problems have become deeply entrenched. They will require extensive therapy, which Bobby probably cannot afford without a job that provides adequate health insurance. Things could have been very different if Bobby was referred to a psychologist in his childhood who could have diagnosed him, offered effective treatment, and alerted the authorities about the abuse.

All children have the right to happy and healthy lives and deserve access to effective care to prevent or treat any mental health problems that they may develop. However, there is a tremendous amount of unmet need, and health disparities are particularly pronounced for children living in low-income communities, ethnic minority children, and oppressed populations such as those defined by gender identity and sexual orientation; immigration status; physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities; or chronic medical conditions.

How many children have mental health disorders?

An estimated 20 million of our nation’s young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 3–17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder. (U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis Further Exposed by Covid-19 Pandemic, 2019). Many more are at risk of developing a disorder due to risk factors in their biology or genetics; within their families, schools, and communities; and among their peers. There is a great need for mental health professionals to provide the best available culturally appropriate care based on scientific evidence, good clinical expertise, and the unique characteristics of the child. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is estimated that only about 20% of these children who need services receive appropriate help from mental health professionals.

What does psychology have to offer?

Research in psychology has contributed to the development of more effective promotion, prevention, and treatment approaches for children and families, including programs targeting expectant mothers, children in school settings, and children transitioning into adulthood and programs working at the following levels:

Individual (e.g., therapy or counseling for those with mental health disorders) Peer (e.g., peer-assisted learning programs aimed at improving reading, math, and science) Family (e.g., parent education on the needs of children at each stage of development) School (e.g., strategies for teachers supporting social and emotional development) Community (e.g., violence prevention programs administered through community/recreational centers or churches) Systemic (e.g., coordination of services in the health, juvenile justice, education, and child protection systems)

Psychologists working with children are also trained to consider developmental pathways for:

Identity Emotions Social engagement Cognition Physical and brain growth

Culture, ethnicity, and language also influence the behavior of children in numerous ways and as a result affects the methods of mental health promotion and the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders.

Psychologists have developed tools to assess the risk and protective factors for the mental health of children, to test for behavioral or emotional problems, to deliver treatment when needed, and to continually monitor treatment progress.

Psychologists have also designed programs that effectively engage families, schools, and communities, that is, the critical social supports that can guarantee lasting well-being for children. For example, one successful family-centered program aimed at decreasing alcohol use in preteens engages parents and caregivers by training them on parenting skills such as setting limits, expressing clear expectations about substance abuse, communication, and discipline while also simultaneously training children on resistance skills and how to develop negative attitudes toward alcohol.

Last updated: May 2022Date created: 2009