"This book is a thorough and relevant first step for health professionals to learn about mental health disorders among children and adolescents, from diagnosis to treatment to resources and prevention."


-Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS


17th Surgeon General of the United States
(From the Foreword)





Updated with new research findings and best evidence-based practices, the third edition of this quick-access guide aids practitioners in preventing, screening, diagnosing, and managing children and adolescents who present with mental health symptoms and disorders. This new edition describes key changes in the field with an emphasis on trauma and stressor-related disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy/skills building, suicidal and self-harming behaviors, substance abuse disorders, prescribing antidepressants to youth, and promoting mental health in schools. New and updated screening tools, instruments, and interventions add to the therapeutic arsenal, along with diagnostic criteria, case studies, and risk factors. In addition, this guide delivers new information on care for the caregiver and new technologies to enhance life balance.


The third edition continues to deliver the essential "nuts and bolts" of evidence-based content in a practical and user-friendly format. Grounded in DSM-V criteria and diagnoses, with a holistic view of the patient, this guide contains a wealth of resources, including screening tools, parent/patient handouts, and other resources to educate families about mental health disorders and ways to foster patient wellness.


New to the Third Edition:





Describes new evidence-based programs to enhance mental health and well-being

Presents updated educational materials for families and caregivers

Featured chapters:



Evidence-based Assessment and Management of Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Evidence-based Assessment and Management of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Evidence-based Assessment and Management of Substance Abuse and Addiction Spectrum

Evidence-based Assessment and Management of Anxiety Disorders

Evidence-based Assessment and Management of Depressive Disorders

Promoting Mental Health in Schools

Self-Care for Clinicians Who Care for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems







Key Features:





Provides a tool kit for healthcare professionals to enhance care and improve outcomes

Contains a variety of valid and reliable screening tools for mental health disorders in children and teens

Addresses concise, evidence-based assessment and management guidelines

Includes downloadable access to patient education handouts, resources, and a variety of other resources for children, teens, and parents