AACAP Practice Parameters are clinical practice guidelines developed by the AACAP Committee on Quality Issues (Co-Chairs: Oscar G. Bukstein MD, MPH and Heather J. Walter MD, MPH) to encourage best practices in child mental health. Links to the complete text of all parameters are presented below. In accordance with national guidelines, AACAP practice parameters are considered to be current if published within the past five years. Parameters older than five years (asterisked in the list below) may not reflect current knowledge and practice and as such should not be considered current until they are updated.

Parameter authors are selected by the Committee on Quality Issues (CQI) based upon their national reputation for expertise in the parameter topic area. Parameter development is an iterative process between the primary author(s), the CQI, topic experts, and representatives from multiple constituent groups, including the AACAP membership, relevant AACAP committees, the AACAP Assembly of Regional Organizations, and the AACAP Council. Responsibility for parameter content and review rests with the author(s), the CQI, the CQI Consensus Group, and the AACAP Council. The CQI is developing a new practice guideline process as part of the move to compliance with recommendations by the Institute of Medicine. The new process and guidelines under that process will be posted later in 2013. All guidelines listed below are in the current format. See Quick Links for details of the current parameter development process and other parameter-related material.

AACAP practice parameters are not intended to define the sole standard of care. As such, the parameters should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care, nor exclusive of other methods of care directed at obtaining the desired results. The ultimate judgment regarding the care of a particular patient must be made by the clinician in light of all circumstances presented by the patient and his or her family, the diagnostic and treatment options available, and available resources.

The CQI welcomes comments on the parameters and their applicability to clinical practice. Suggestions about topics for future parameters are also welcome. Please direct all comments/suggestions to Jennifer Medicus at jmedicus@aacap.org, or 202.966.7300, x137.

Pocketcards
Pocketcards are portable versions of the AACAP practice parameters. See the Quick Links on the left hand side of this page for more information and to purchase.

AACAP Practice Parameters
Parameters marked with an asterisk are not considered to be current. The status of parameters under development is indicated in parentheses.

Current Parameters

• Atypical Antipsychotic Medication


• Forensic Assessment
  Volume 50 December 2011


• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Youth
  Volume 50 Sept 2012


• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  Volume 51 January 2012


• Physically Ill Children
  Volume 48 February 2009


• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  Volume 49 April 2010


• Prescribing Psychotropic Medication to Children
  Volume 48 September 2009


• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Children
  Volume 51 May 2012


• Telepsychiatry
  Volume 47 December 2008
  Addendum: JoAnn Elizabeth Leavey, R.N., Ed.D., R. Psych. (Limited Register), served as an expert reviewer in the creation of the Parameter on Telepsychiatry.

Coming Soon

• Assessment of Children and Adolescents* (update in progress)
  Volume 36 October 1997 Sup


• Assessment of Infants and Toddlers* (update in progress)
  Volume 36 October 1997 Sup


• Autism* (update under final review)
  Volume 38 December 1999 Sup


• Children Exposed to Disasters (new parameter in progress)


• Children in Foster Care (new parameter in progress)


• Cultural Competence (new parameter in progress)


• Eating Disorders (new parameter in progress)


• Family Interventions (new parameter in progress)


• Language/Learning Disorders* (update in progress)
  Volume 37 October 1998 Sup


• Reactive Attachment Disorder* (update in progress)
  Volume 44 November 2005


• Schizophrenia* (update under final review)
  Volume 40 July 2001 Sup


• Tic Disorders (new parameter in progress)

Historical Parameters

• ADHD
  Volume 46 July 2007


• Anxiety Disorders*
  Volume 46 February 2007


• Assessment of the Family*
  Volume 46 July 2007


• Bipolar Disorder*
  Volume 46 January 2007
  ERRATUM: The "Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder," which appears in the January 2007 issue of the Journal (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 46: 107-125), includes an incorrect citation for I Hellander 2002 in the reference list. The correct reference is Hellander M (2002), Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation: Membership Survey. Data Presented at: Methodological Issues and Controversies in Clinical Trials with Child and Adolescent Patients with Bipolar Disorder, sponsored by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; June; Chantilly, VA. All references to Hellander, 2002 appearing in the text refer to the M. Hellander 2002 citation appearing here.


• Conduct Disorder*
  Volume 36 October 1997 Sup


• Child Custody Evaluation*
  Volume 36 October 1997 Sup


• Community Systems of Care*
  Volume 46 February 2007


• Depressive Disorders*
  Volume 46 November 2007


• Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  Volume 43 December 2004


• Enuresis*
  Volume 43 December 2004


• Forensic Evaluation for Children and Adolescents Who May Have Been Sexually Abused*
  Volume 36 October 1997 Sup


• Mental Retardation*
  Volume 38 December 1999 Sup


• Oppositional Defiant Disorder*
  Volume 46 January 2007


• Psychiatric Consultation to Schools*
  Volume 44 October 2005


• Seclusion and Restraint*
  Volume 41 February 2002 Sup


• Sexually Abusive Children*
  Volume 38 December 1999 Sup


• Stimulant Medications*
  Volume 41 February 2002 Sup


• Substance Abuse Disorders*
  Volume 44 June 2005


• Suicidal Behavior*
  Volume 40 July 2001 Sup


• Youth in Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facilities*
  Volume 44 October 2005