Northwestern University has initiated a new Mental Health, Earlier Center at the Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) with an $11.7 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This center aims to tackle youth mental health issues by focusing on early signs of vulnerability in toddlers during routine pediatric care.
The initiative is co-led by researchers from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. It seeks to address mental health problems before they manifest as traditional diagnoses or treatments. "Approximately 20% of children as young as age 3 have an identified mental health problem," according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Early intervention is crucial as it can potentially reverse negative spirals in children's mental health development, noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pediatric primary care serves as a critical setting since most U.S. children regularly visit pediatricians. However, there are no established clinical standards to help pediatricians identify significant emotional and behavioral issues in young children. The center has developed evidence-based tools for determining when these issues warrant concern but these tools have not yet been integrated into clinical practice.
Laurie Wakschlag, one of the principal investigators and director at DevSci, emphasized that "mental health support at this young age means fostering toddlers' self-regulation skills." The approach is non-stigmatizing and aligns with routine pediatric care principles.
J.D. Smith, another principal investigator from the University of Utah, highlighted the importance of partnerships with pediatric health systems: “That’s why the center’s hallmark is its partnership with pediatric health systems as co-designers of its research goals and strategies."
The center collaborates with three diverse pediatric systems: AllianceChicago, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Nemours Children’s Health to implement practical prevention services during regular check-ups.
Dr. Matthew M. Davis from Nemours Children's Health pointed out that addressing parents' concerns early can lead to profound impacts on children's long-term wellbeing.
This initiative joins a network under NIMH's ALACRITY Research Centers aimed at transforming mental illness treatment across different age groups through innovative research collaborations.
Eric J. Perreault from Northwestern stated that "the launch exemplifies Northwestern’s mission" by advancing preventive approaches that promote healthy development while ensuring equitable access to care nationwide.
The project receives support under grant P50MH132502 from NIMH but represents only the authors' views and not necessarily those of NIH officially.