Understanding How Mental Health Affects Children and Teens

National Association of Social Workers Recognizes May as Mental Health Month

WASHINGTON—Mental disorders in children are just as real, common and treatable as they are in adults. Social workers, especially those working in schools, know that when the mental health issues of children and teens are left untreated, they can lead to problems at home, school and in the community—sometimes even leading to substance abuse or suicide.

According to LaVoyce Reid, MSW, NASW Senior Staff Associate for Children, Families, and Schools, “Teachers and school social workers are often the first to identify poor health and psychological and social problems affecting children.”

“Children face a variety of obstacles to success in school, including mental health issues, alcohol and drug use, teen pregnancy, and learning problems. Family problems such as domestic violence, divorce, and child abuse also affect how kids learn,” she adds.

“Parents and teachers, as well as the school social worker, should come up with an individual education plan for children facing obstacles to success in school,” says NASW School Social Work Section Chair, Alphonse Shropshire, MSW.

Bob Goodwin, MSW, member of the NASW Section of School Social Workers, says that many children and adolescents receive mental health services at school. “School social work is the prominent profession providing school-based mental health services,” he adds.

Parents should become familiar with the services provided in their school system. Many childhood and adolescent problems have long-term consequences—even when they are not strictly mental health problems. School social work services help reduce risk as well as help kids reach their potential in school—leading to greater success.

Media outlets: For more information on school social work or mental health issues in children and adolescents, please contact NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228 or e-mail lcurry@naswdc.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy.