The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ Developmental Behavioral and Mental Health special interest group was established to provide a networking opportunity for PNPs working in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, and those in primary care who have a strong interest in the developmental, behavioral and mental health needs of young children, school-age children, adolescents and their families. The focus is on prevention, early recognition, treatment and referral of these needs. The SIG provides a forum to discuss and share appropriate screening tools, achieve consensus regarding anticipatory guidance based on developmental theory and evidence-based research, discuss the significance of child development, family and environmental influences on the child and share related continuing education and research opportunities.
Email: mentalhealth@napnap.org
- Develop and maintain collaborative online asset management resource of free, vetted, valuable DBMH resources for pediatric healthcare providers.
- Identify needs, gaps, resources, volunteers, mentor and leadership opportunities, etc. to support parents and families in the care of their children’s health.
- Revise NAPNAP Position Statements associated with DBMH issues.
- Encourage DBMH SIG members to actively support the mission and goals of the DBMH SIG and the population served with excellence in DBMH-focused professional practice, educational, and/or research activities.
- Collaborate with other professional organizations supporting the mission and goals of NAPNAP and the DBMH SIG.
- Provide education opportunities to our membership including sessions at national conference.
- Support and actively promote Health Policy efforts that impact DBMH care of children.
- Develop SIG annual newsletter that highlights members’ achievements.
- Please visit the Journal of Pediatric Health Care to search for articles on this topic.
- Resources are also available on the SIG’s microsite.
- Read our position statement on the Integration of Mental Health Care in Pediatric Primary Care Settings.Â
- Tween Brochure – Created in collaboration with the California: Los Angeles Chapter, this brochure breaks down the physical, mental and emotional development of a tweenager and what parents can do. Also available in Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
- Please visit NAPNAP’s award webpage to view all awards our SIG offers.
