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Category: Child mental health

ADHD and Racial Disparities: What Clinicians Can Do
ADHD and Racial Disparities: What Clinicians Can Do

October 24, 2024

“When a parent of color raises concerns about their child’s behavior, clinicians should always stop to assess for underlying disorders,” explains child and adolescent psychiatrist Brittainy Erby, MD. “I see many children and adolescents of color who have been diagnosed with a behavior disorder, but they actually have untreated ADHD.” The research reinforces what Dr.

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When Adolescent Patients Transition to College: The Provider’s Role
When Adolescent Patients Transition to College: The Provider’s Role

September 26, 2024

“Any transition is a time that our patients can trip and fall,” explains Tina Nicholson, MD, a family doctor specializing in children and youth mental health. The transition to college, especially if it involves moving away from home, is no exception.  To understand how providers can help adolescents navigate this transition, we spoke with REACH

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Untangling ADHD and Anxiety as Comorbidities
Untangling ADHD and Anxiety as Comorbidities

June 25, 2024

“ADHD and anxiety presenting together is very common in children and adolescents. But it can be difficult to discern which is the primary condition and which to treat first,” explains Kari Overstreet, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, a pediatric nurse practitioner focused on child psychiatry and a Patient-Centered Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (PPP) faculty

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Navigating the ADHD stimulant medication shortage
Navigating the ADHD stimulant medication shortage

October 31, 2023

“The ADHD stimulant medication shortage is affecting patients, families, pharmacists, and clinicians,” explains Andrew Adesman, MD, a developmental pediatrician specializing in ADHD.

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Sleep Smart: Back-to-School Edition
Sleep Smart: Back-to-School Edition

August 25, 2023

REACH faculty, Dr Kowatch, emphasizes that it’s essential for caregivers to recognize the challenges that can arise when transitioning from summer to a more structured school routine. “Parents have got to anticipate there may be an adjustment period for the first week or two.”

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Responding to the Alarming Rise of Depression in Adolescent Girls
Responding to the Alarming Rise of Depression in Adolescent Girls

May 18, 2023

Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by adolescent girls and the proactive steps clinicians can take to support them.

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Supporting mental health needs in rural areas
Supporting mental health needs in rural areas

April 20, 2023

Rural healthcare providers can be overwhelmed—and understaffed with specialists. Discover how REACH inspired Elizabeth Wallis, M.D., to build a community to support her patients.

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Don’t panic about panic attacks
Don’t panic about panic attacks

February 24, 2023

“The impairment from a panic attack doesn’t come from the episode itself,” said REACH faculty member James Wallace, MD. “It comes from the patient’s and family’s reaction.”

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Assessing and treating substance abuse
Assessing and treating substance abuse

January 24, 2023

“The risk of substance use starts at about age 10,” said Sam Chang, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist on the REACH faculty. “Prevention has to start before that. By the time kids reach adolescence, the horse has left the barn.”

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August 7, 2026

Helping children with mental health concerns can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. REACHing Solutions is The REACH Institute's podcast for pediatric clinicians, featuring practical conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to…

August 3, 2026

A look inside recent REACH trainings, where clinicians and health care systems are learning together, building practical skills, and strengthening their ability to support children and families.

July 29, 2026

Join thousands of clinicians who have strengthened their confidence and expanded their skills through REACH's evidence-based mental health trainings.

July 28, 2026

What’s one of the most important clinical skills for improving child mental health care? According to REACH founder Peter S. Jensen, MD, it’s measurement-based care. By combining standardized rating scales with clinical judgment and meaningful conversations…

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