American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

02/27/2026

"Eating disorders are both medical and mental health disorders so it is incredibly difficult for children/teens to recover on their own."

This National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, experts from Johns Hopkins Children's Center explain how parents and clinicians can better recognize signs and symptoms of disordered eating - and get kids the help they need.

The director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Specialty Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.

02/24/2026

New research from JAMA finds that teens who reported using cannabis had twice the risk of developing bipolar and psychotic disorders.

AACAP Member Ryan Sultan, MD, weighs in on the troubling findings.

Researchers followed more than 400,000 teens until they were adults. It found that those who used ma*****na were more likely to develop serious mental illness, as well as depression and anxiety.

02/20/2026

AACAP President John T. Walkup, MD, addresses the unfinished work of confronting racism and inequality in a statement on the mental health of children and adolescents.

He urges us to "model respect, positive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to dignity for all." https://bit.ly/4aBUxu1

02/20/2026

On May 4-5, our members will travel to Washington, DC to meet with Members of Congress and their legislative staff to advocate for children’s mental health and policies to support the child and adolescent psychiatry workforce.

Members, will you join us? https://www.aacap.org/legcon

02/19/2026

If a child is experiencing serious emotional or behavioral issues, but doesn't need inpatient hospitalization, a PHP or IOP may help. Our newest "Facts for Families" explains how these programs can support youth struggling with severe anxiety, risky behaviors, self-harm or other issues. https://bit.ly/46bOf1o

02/12/2026

On Tuesday, AACAP staff joined hundreds of spectators outside the National Cathedral to watch the procession of Buddhist monks nearing the end of their long walk for peace. Truly a privilege and a joy to witness.

02/12/2026

Yesterday’s devastating shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has shaken communities across Canada and beyond. As we absorb the weight of this tragedy, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community.

Moments like this weigh especially heavily on children. And in the aftermath of such violence, families often need support to help young people process fear and grief. AACAP’s Resource Library on Guns and Violence provides age-appropriate tools, scripts, and coping strategies for youth of all ages.

🔗 Explore the Resource Library: https://t.co/NJsn0n6LhL

02/09/2026

“Play therapy with young kids helps them learn how to process information, how to process their environment, and how to manage their emotions. It gives coping skills at an early age that can help them throughout their lives.”

AACAP Member Dr. Neha Sharma has helped create the only training rotation in the Boston area that puts early child and adolescent psychiatrists right in the classroom.

A collaboration between the Eliot-Pearson Children’s School and psychiatrists at Tufts Medical Center provides mental health care to young children.

02/05/2026

“Good mental health promotes good physical health and vice versa. So, let’s improve the quality of life of these children from the start.”

AACAP Member Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH is leading a team to redefine comprehensive neuro-oncology care at Children’s National Hospital. Watch now:

(2 min. read)

01/28/2026

When communities face upheaval, the right support can make all the difference.

AACAP’s Resource Library on Children, Families, and Immigration brings together evidence‑based materials and tools to guide families, clinicians, and educators caring for children facing uncertainty and trauma. https://bit.ly/4tbcIxR

01/26/2026

📣 Medical students—are you exploring a future in child and adolescent psychiatry?
AACAP’s 2026 Summer Medical Student Fellowship Opportunities are now open! These paid fellowships provide hands-on research or clinical experience, one-on-one mentorship with leaders in the field, and the opportunity to present your work at the Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
🗓 Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
👉 Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/49T3H3p

01/23/2026

This weekend, Winter Storm Fern may disrupt access to electricity, schools, and essential services for families across the country. To prep, check out these essential resources from https://bit.ly/45p6DDF