In the U.S., approximately 1 in 4 children between the ages of 3 and 17 have a mental, behavioral or developmental condition. Studies indicate that mental health conditions in children and adolescents are on the rise, with common concerns including anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behaviors. Pediatric mental disorders are associated with considerable distress and impairment, as well as a heightened risk of mortality. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death for young people from 10 to 24 years of age — responsible for approximately 20% of deaths in that age group.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Month (May) and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4–10), the following experts are available for media interviews to discuss the scope and impact of pediatric mental health concerns and offer tips about how to help children manage stress and emotions and improve their overall mental well-being:

Amie Bettencourt, Ph.D., M.S.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Erika Chiappini, Ph.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

John Campo, M.D.
Director of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., M.A.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Paige Seegan, Ph.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Andrea Young, Ph.D., M.A.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

On the Web

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center 

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry