Prioritizing Children’s Mental Health: Science-Informed Solutions and Access to Care
Washington, DC - Nearly four years after declaring a National Emergency in Children’s Mental Health, millions of children and families remain in crisis. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reaffirms our commitment to science, evidence-based care, and equitable access to mental health services for all children. We call on policymakers to prioritize children’s mental health, invest in the mental health workforce, and expand access to care through policies grounded in science and clinical evidence.
“Families in crisis need guidance they can trust,” said AACAP President Tami Benton, MD. “Parents trust child and adolescent psychiatrists because we rely on science, rigorous training, and extensive clinical experience to guide every recommendation we make. Now more than ever, parents, caregivers, and policymakers can count on AACAP to provide expertise grounded in evidence, not ideology.”
AACAP stands with children and families in advocating for public health policies that prioritize mental health needs. We will continue to champion science-based solutions, robust investments in the mental health workforce, and promote clear, accurate communication that builds trust with families and supports the healthy development of children and adolescents.
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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promotes the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are the leading physician authority on children’s mental health. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org
Media Contact:
Rob Grant, Communications Director
202.966.7300
rgrant@aacap.org
www.aacap.org