Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division

Child Mental Health

The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division believes every child should grow up healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Mental health is a vital part of a child’s overall well-being. It affects how children think, feel, and act, and how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Many mental health conditions begin in childhood or adolescence. When left unrecognized or untreated, these conditions can interfere with a child’s development, education, relationships, and long-term health. It is important to not only identify and treat mental health concerns early, but also to invest in preventive, upstream approaches that foster resilience and emotional well-being before problems emerge. With early support and the right resources, children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can affect brain development and stress response systems, making it harder for children to regulate their emotions and cope with challenge.

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) not only buffer the effects of ACEs, but also foster emotional strength, resilience, and healthy development.

Data on Children in California Data

Mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral (MEDB) problems¹:
- 13.5% 3-5 years old had at least 1 MEDB problem
- 20.4% 6-11 years old had at least 1 MEDB problem
Children hospitalized for mental health issues²:
- Among children 5-14 years old, 2.5% of hospitalizations are due to mental health issues.
Received mental health care when needed³:
- Around 50% of children 3-5 years old who needed mental health care, received it .
- More than 75% of children 6-11 years old who needed mental health care, received it .

Promoting Mental Wellness

Diverse group of children

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are foundational to promoting lifelong mental wellness in all children, not only by buffering the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), but also by proactively fostering emotional strength, resilience, and healthy development. When children feel safe, supported by caring adults, and have opportunities to build social-emotional skills, these experiences contribute to a strong sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth. PCEs are linked to better mental health outcomes, stronger relationships, and greater life satisfaction, even in the presence of adversity.

Preventing mental health concerns starts with creating safe and caring spaces. Nurturing relationships, especially between parent and child, help children feel secure and learn how to manage their emotions. Simple things like having routines, playing together, and listening when children share their emotions make a big difference. These strategies, rooted in PCEs, reduce the risk of mental health concerns and support children's ability to thrive.

How to Support Children in Your Life:

Parent and child playing dress up

Consistent routines and structure at home, which foster a sense of stability.
Validation of emotions—children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and are taken seriously.
Positive relationships with parents, including warmth, support, and open communication.
Opportunities for play, creativity, and expression, which support emotional regulation.

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