A Public Health Approach to Children’s Mental Health: A Conceptual Framework
This resource presents a comprehensive conceptual framework for applying public health approaches to children’s mental health. The framework advocates for a transformative shift from the current problem-focused treatment model to a balanced approach that both promotes positive mental health for all children and prevents/treats mental health problems. It also provides practical guidance for leaders and coalitions on how to assess community needs, implement evidence-based interventions, and ensure quality, access, and sustainability of mental health supports for children from birth to 18 years of age. There is also an Expanded Executive Summary, which provides an overview of the major concepts provided in the conceptual framework. Both documents are available below.