Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Second Edition is a comprehensive and practical guide for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and primary care practitioners addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents. With the rising prevalence of psychiatric disorders in youth and a shortage of specialized child psychiatric providers, this book emphasizes the role of APRNs in early assessment, intervention, and collaborative care. Fully updated with DSM-5 criteria, the text integrates evidence-based strategies for identifying, diagnosing, and managing behavioral and psychiatric disorders across diverse care settings. Edited and authored by experienced child psychiatric and primary care practitioners, it combines state-of-the-art knowledge, clinical applications, and policy considerations to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to improve outcomes for young patients.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage of psychiatric and behavioral health issues in children and adolescents, including clinical manifestations, etiology, risk factors, and management.
• Updated content reflecting DSM-5 criteria and the latest guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• New and expanded chapters on eating disorders, bullying and victimization, LGBTQ identity issues, and research with high-risk populations.
• Practical guidance for conducting interviews, integrating physical and psychiatric screening, and developing effective treatment plans.
• Special topics include legal and ethical considerations, cultural influences, the needs of immigrant children, and child/adolescent mental health policy.
• Collaborative approaches emphasizing family engagement, interprofessional teamwork, consultation, and referral strategies.
• Companion website with clinical case studies to apply concepts from the chapters in real-world scenarios.
• Evidence-based, practice-focused, ideal for APRNs, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists working in pediatric, family, community, psychiatric, or mental health settings.