Improving early childhood mental health care in pediatric settings
Official title: Advancing community-driven optimization for equitable implementation of early childhood mental health prevention in pediatric learning health systems: Mental Health, Earlier ALACRITY Research Center
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10843626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to support the mental health of kids from birth to 11 years old by bringing helpful resources right into their doctor’s offices, so families can easily get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,417,794 |
| NIH project number | 1P50MH132502-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 who may be at risk for mental health issues, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 0-11 or those who do not have any identified mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mental health prevention efforts for children aged 0-11 by integrating effective interventions into pediatric primary care. It aims to address the mental health crisis affecting young children, where 1 in 5 has a recognized mental health issue by age 3. The approach involves collaborating with community health centers and utilizing innovative tools to ensure equitable access to care for diverse populations. By engaging families and communities, the project seeks to implement strategies that are both effective and accessible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for young children through better access to preventive care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in integrating mental health interventions in pediatric settings, indicating a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wakschlag, Lauren S — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wakschlag, Lauren S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.