Donna Hallas, PhD, CPNP, PPCNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, Clinical Professor, Program Director, Pediatrics NP, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, and Contemporary pediatrics A member of the editorial advisory board provided an update on behavioral health.
Hallas stressed that it is important to recognize and explain to parents that the stressors for children and adolescents today are very different from those of their childhood.
Additionally, Hallas comments on the high number of children currently presenting with behavioral health issues and that even asking a child a simple “how are you” during a primary visit can be very helpful.
“The numbers are very high for kids who are experiencing behavioral health issues and not adapting to change,” Hallas said. “They act because they don’t understand. (It’s crucial) to really integrate (this mindset) into our practices.”
“An 8- or 6-year-old might tell us they have concerns, and sometimes they’re hesitant to say something in front of a parent, so it’s really, really important that we focus on that behavioral health,” Hallas added. .
