Understanding Youth Mental Health: Causes, Interventions, and Policy Perspectives

Mental health is important for everyone and encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. For children and youth, mental health also includes reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning skills to cope with challenges and function well at home, school, and in their communities. Mental health is a component of behavioral health, which includes choices or actions that affect overall well-being. Young people with mental health problems need a place to go to receive the care they really need in a supportive environment. This book reports on ways to improve access to quality mental health care for young people.