Understanding and identification of mental health disorders in children and techniques to support their mental health and well-being.
Developmental psychology: Understanding the stages of child development and the impact of mental health on these stages.
Child and adolescent mental health disorders: Identification, treatment, and support for common mental health challenges faced by children and young people.
Parenting strategies: Examining different approaches to supporting children’s mental health, such as positive parenting, attachment-based parenting, and others.
Assessment and diagnosis: Understanding the process of evaluating mental health and diagnosing disorders in children, and the tools and techniques utilized.
Family systems theory: Exploring the role of the family in a child’s mental health, and how family dynamics can impact a child’s mental health.
Trauma-informed care: Examining the impact of trauma, including adverse childhood experiences, on mental health and development.
Psychopharmacology: How medication and drugs are used to treat mental health disorders in children and young people.
Cultural competence: Exploring how cultural background and beliefs can impact children’s mental health, and cultural considerations in diagnosis and treatment.
Attachment theory: Understanding the role of attachment in children’s development and how insecure attachment patterns can impact mental health.
Advocacy and policy: Understanding the legal and policy frameworks surrounding children’s mental health, and how to advocate for better quality care.
Play therapy: An approach to therapy that uses play to communicate with and support children to express and cope with difficult emotions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Exploring an evidence-based therapy approach that can help children overcome negative thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors.
Self-care: Understanding the importance of self-care for both children and caregivers in promoting positive mental health and well-being.
Resilience: Exploring how to build resilience in children and young people, and factors that can support their mental health outcomes.
Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy: A therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care in addressing mental health concerns related to trauma.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A chronic condition that makes it difficult for children to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors.
Anxiety disorders: A group of conditions characterized by intense feelings of worry and stress, including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A lifelong, developmental disability that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Conduct disorder: A behavioral disorder characterized by aggressive, disruptive, and antisocial behaviors, such as lying, stealing, and vandalism.
Depression: A mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities.
Eating disorders: A group of conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors and distorted body image, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A condition that causes repetitive, unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A condition that can develop after a child experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.
Schizophrenia: A severe mental illness that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.
Substance abuse disorders: A group of conditions characterized by compulsive drug or alcohol use, despite negative consequences.