One in five children has an identified mental health problem as early as age 3. Early detection is key to earlier intervention, and it also could prevent more severe conditions down the line, such as ADHD, depression and anxiety. Pediatric primary care is an ideal setting to conduct screening for mental health risk, given that pediatricians tend to have close, ongoing relationships with young patients and their families, and broad reach to historically marginalized communities. Since mental health screening of toddlers in primary care is uncommon, it is important to train pediatricians to do so without implicit bias and in a way that prevents unintended consequences, such as increased stigma.
Clinicians from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago will address these concerns in partnership with Northwestern University’s new Mental Health, Earlier Center funded by an $11.7 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institutes of Health. They aim to reach approximately 1,200 toddlers by implementing screening for mental health risk across 30 clinics, and training pediatricians to communicate results to families and make decisions about next steps.
A new initiative is focused on training pediatricians to better identify early signs of mental health challenges in children. This program addresses the growing need for early detection as mental health issues continue to rise among youth. By equipping pediatricians—often the first point of contact for families—with tools to recognize potential concerns, this effort aims to bridge gaps in mental health care and ensure timely intervention.
The initiative includes specialized training sessions on assessing behavioral and emotional cues in children, enabling pediatricians to provide early guidance or refer families to mental health professionals. It also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive dialogue with parents, reducing stigma around seeking mental health support for children. Experts believe this approach could lead to improved long-term outcomes by addressing problems before they escalate.
Mental health challenges, including those related to addiction, often stem from untreated issues that begin in childhood or adolescence. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health concerns or addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Contact rehabnear.me at 855–339-1112 for compassionate, evidence-based care. Recovery and support are within reach, and it’s never too early to take the first step.
New Initiative Aims to Train Pediatricians on Early Mental Health Detection https://t.co/naLX1ufgY3 #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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