The recently released NC Child 2023 Child Health Report Card clearly demonstrates that the mental health service system in North Carolina is in critical need of additional effective child mental health services. Levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidality have reportedly increased, and over half of all North Carolina youth have experienced one or more adverse childhood experiences. Both locally and nationally, there is an emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Increased access to effective child mental health services that are based in science and adaptable to the needs of individuals and communities is crucial to healthy children and families.
