Flagging children who may be experiencing mental health problems can help get them early help. 'We don't want them struggling,' one expert said.
The recommendation from the independent panel of experts applies to children who aren't showing any signs or symptoms of a mental health problem. Children who are — regardless of age — should be referred for specialized care, task force member Lori Pbert said.
"We can't not be screening children and teens," said Pbert, a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist."We have to identify them early. We don't want them struggling." The health panel's new guidance represents a final set of recommendations for mental health screening for children. It is consistent with the group'sThe screenings are not meant to diagnose a child with either anxiety or depression; they're meant to identify those who may need extra support in mental health care.
Pediatricians aren't required to follow the guidelines, but often do based on the influential group's recommendations.The problem, however, is that there is a dearth of mental health professionals trained to help such children. "A pediatrician might be able to flag somebody, but they might not always have a place to send that person who needs help," said Jenna Glover, a child and adolescent psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is not a member of the task force."This is a way where we can get ahead of the ongoing mental health crisis to identify these kids and get them hooked into services," Glover said."We know that early intervention really is the key to better outcomes.
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