Family Resources
About Us
Information about the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Definition of a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents and their families.
Policy Statements
Developed by the AACAP Committees, then approved by the AACAP Council, these statements reflect the AACAP's voice on issues affecting the health of children, adolescents, and their families.
AACAP on Facebook and Twitter
Join our online community and get the latest information and resources aimed at helping families find the information they need. Our nation's children can't wait for care. Together we can continue to provide hope to families who need our help the most. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook
Facts for Families
Concise, up-to-date information on issues affecting children, teenagers, and their families.
Glossary of Symptoms and Mental Illnesses
Defines 17 major mental disorders in easily understandable language. Also provides a resource list.
Psychiatric Medication
The latest information on children and Psychiatric Medication
Resource Centers
AACAP's Resource Centers empower consumers through patient education. Each AACAP Resource Center contains consumer friendly definitions, answers to frequently asked questions, a definition of clinical resources, expert interviews, abstracts from the JAACAP, and Scientific Proceedings and Facts for Families relevant to each disorder.
ADHD - A Guide for Families
To be a good advocate for your child, you need to learn as much as you can about ADHD. This guidebook and video program will help you:
- Find out if your child may have ADHD.
- Work with your child's doctor to get the right treatment.
- Support your child in school.
- Help your child feel confident, secure, and successful.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder
Use AACAP's Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder to find a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist near you.
Parents’ Medication Guide Series
AACAP has produced medication guides to help patients, families, and physicians make informed decisions about obtaining and administering appropriate care for a child or adolescent with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression.
Clinical Trials
Looking for information on available clinical trials?
Legislative Action
Information on legislation that affects the practice of child and adolescent psychiatry and other child mental health professionals, and access to child and adolescent psychiatry services.
Living with Mental Illness: Books, Stories, and Memoirs
Youth Voice Tip Sheet
This Tip Sheet was developed to provide guidance for how child and adolescent psychiatrists can more effectively communicate and partner with young people.
School-based Mental Health
Bill of Rights for Children's Mental Health Disorders and their Families
All families deserve access to quality mental health treatment. This Bill of Rights for Children’s Mental Health Disorders and their Families was developed by a coalition for children’s mental health facilitated by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It is an important guide for families and their physicians to use when advocating for what families living with mental illnesses should expect from treatment.
Please note: This Bill of Rights is not a legal document. A violation of these Rights does not necessarily indicate illegal activity.