34020 Mental Health Assessment of Pediatric Patients

Course overview

Discussion of assessing the mental health of pediatric patients, including disorders that may be diagnosed in infancy or childhood, screening tools that are used in pediatric mental health settings, the steps involved in performing a mental health assessment for a child, and the characteristics and treatment of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Behavioral and mental health issues in the pediatric population are increasing in prevalence, and one in six children between the ages of 2-8 years has a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Studies indicate that many healthcare providers who care for this population do not feel adequately prepared in the prevention, identification, and treatment of these issues. Early recognition, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment is key in improving the health outcomes for children with mental health or behavioral disorders. Performing an accurate mental health assessment requires a special skillset in healthcare practitioners, and can help to clarify problems that may be underlying a childs behavior. This program discusses characteristics and treatment of mental health and behavioral disorders that may be diagnosed in children, screening tools, and components of mental health assessment in children.