Understanding the Mental Health Problems of Children and Adolescents

Book excerpt: "Understanding Mental Health Problems of Children and Adolescents: A Guide for Social Workers provides a practical guide for social workers on promoting positive mental health in youth from a system of care perspective. Social workers will gain an understanding of the scope of mental health issues in youth to include definitions, etiology, evidence-based treatments. The book emphasizes the importance of collaborating with youth and caregivers, importance of addressing issues from a strengths and trauma informed perspective, and of cultural humility practice. A unique aspect of the book is the presentation of real life case studies allowing the reader to apply the information in each section of the book. Each diagnosis is presenting in two chapters. The first chapter discusses the DSM criteria, biological aspects of the disorder, differential diagnosing, followed by a case study applying the diagnostic criteria. The second chapter presents evidenced based treatments and medications. Presentation of how to access evidenced based treatments for each diagnosis is provided. Followed by a discussion of the outcomes of the case studies from the previous chapter"--