Behavioral and Mental Health Resources - NAPNAP

Behavioral and Mental Health Resources

Pediatric nurse practitioners and other pediatric-focused APRNs are often the health care providers who see your children most frequently and are best acquainted with your children’s well-being. They are educated and trained to screen for behavioral or developmental progress or challenges. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development or behavior, contact your provider.

Mental Health Facts For Families

Early Detection is Key

Today, one in five adolescents in America suffer from developmental, mental or behavioral health illnesses. In order for these children to avoid serious, adverse outcomes as they get older, it is critical for these illnesses to be detected early. Pediatric-focused APRNs play a key role in early detection for mental and behavioral health issues in children and teens.

Mental health/psychosocial morbidities are surpassing physical health issues, including asthma and diabetes, in children today. Several factors play a role in this, including: family instability and malfunctioning, stigma associated with mental health problems/treatment, access to care and reimbursement issues, lack of screening and genetics.

Every encounter a pediatric-focused APRN has with a child is an opportunity to screen them for mental health issues. Additionally, PNPs can offer counseling and educational information to both the child and parent if they detect a mental health issue. Due to the stigma associated with developmental, behavioral and mental health issues, many parents may be apprehensive about discussing the subject. Screening tools can help open the door to a conversation about mental health issues and the role parents play.

NAPNAP has created an excellent resource that will help teens and families answer common questions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). View a variety of patient/provider scenarios that answer questions about ADHD. Check out these valuable resources on YouTube with the links provided below. 

Bullying Prevention

Find a variety of information about bullying including but not limited to signs of bullying, prevention strategies, how to stop bullying and much more at StopBullying.gov.  

Youth Violence Prevention

Youth violence refers to harmful behaviors that can start early and continue into young adulthood. The young person can be a victim, an offender, or a witness to the violence. Learn more about youth violence.

 

CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early.

From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he/she plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern. Find a variety of resources at Learn the Signs. Act Early.

New! CDC’s Milestone Tracker App

Learn more and get information on downloading the app at CDC’s Milestone Tracker website. The app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

The new app offers:

  • Interactive milestone checklists for children ages 2 months through 5 years, illustrated with photos and videos
  • Tips and activities to help children learn and grow
  • Information on when to act early and talk with a doctor about developmental delays
  • A personalized milestone summary that can be easily shared with the doctor and other care providers
  • Reminders of appointments and developmental screening
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