AAP Resource Center - Healthy Mental Development

Welcome! Learn about Healthy Mental Development at American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 

The AAP is reframing the way we talk about children's mental health to reflect the healthy mental development (HMD) framework. Our goal is recognition and promotion of HMD as a developmental process that occurs across the lifespan, can be nurtured, and is an essential part of pediatric health care.

Healthy mental development framework shifts the way we think and talk about mental health away from the presence or absence of illness, and toward developing the skills and supports necessary to navigate symptoms, conditions, and stressors in a healthy way. 

HMD Framework:
•	Is strengths-based.
•	Requires a trauma-informed approach to care.
•	Centers equity, diversity, and inclusion in care delivery.
•	Promotes the importance of relationships in supporting mental and emotional wellness.

AAP Initiatives Supporting Pediatric Professionals in HMD Include: 
•	Pediatric education and workforce development 
•	Training and technical assistance 
•	Systems change, practice change, and quality improvement 
•	Cross-sectoral partnerships 
•	Research Advocacy for policy change at the national, state, and payor level 
•	Public awareness and communications campaigns 
•	AAP Policy and Clinical Reports AAP Committees, Sections, & Council work focused on HMD

Stop by our HMD exhibit booth to learn more and get copies of provider and parent facing resources.