Hi all! My name is Rae and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who decided to write a blog about mental health. I have been a practicing therapist since 2017 and have primarily worked with children, ages 3-17, and their families. 

This post is specifically about children’s mental health, as that is in my wheelhouse. So, if you want to learn some history then keep on reading. If you don’t want to read what may seem like a college paper–some habits are hard to break, but I am working on it–then I have also included a timeline image that you can scroll down to view instead. 

Disclaimer: The statements made in this blog are not medical advice. If you need medical help please reach out to a physician or other medical provider. You may also contact the U.S. National crisis line by dialing 988. 

History of children’s mental health

The 19th century is when mental health really became a topic for world conversation. With the founding of bodies like the National Committee of Mental Hygiene and the World Health Organization. You can read more about another blog post here. https://raesreflections.com/hello-world/

Children’s mental health seems to have begun in the United States in 1899, with the first juvenile court established in Chicago, Illinois. Now you may be thinking, what does juvenile court have to do with mental health? Plenty. I may be writing a whole separate post for that alone. If you wish to read that when it is completed sign up for the email list.

In 1909, a group of influential women created the Juvenile Psychopathic Institute which had teams of neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker (Schowalter, 2003). This way of running the institute paved the way for most child guidance clinics.

The first child guidance clinic is said to have been created in 1913. More clinics emerged in England and across the world soon after. The purpose of these clinics? To assess children and adolescents. Some used social workers to assess the needs of the child based on the environment. 

After World War II, clinics used the displacement of European children to study the impact it had. Referrals could be made by teachers, police or anyone. However, with the emergence of more psychoanalytically trained professionals, the clinics could not keep up with the changing landscape of the field. Thus, not many clinics are around today. 

What is it like now?

The American Academy of Child Psychiatry was founded in 1953. Before 1958, child psychiatry was not considered its own discipline. Six child psychiatrists met with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to hash out the details of allowing professionals to do child psychiatry specialties. 

The past 50 years has shown an ever evolving interest in how children’s mental health is affected. With the world on lockdown during the COVID pandemic, a light was shown on children’s mental health that was not always seen. More and more individuals outside the profession are showing an interest in mental health. With websites like TikTok and Instagram having more posts related to mental health. It is my hope that greater conversations occur. 

Like this post? Share it! Then check out: 

History of Mental Health, Does My Kid Need Therapy, What Do Those Letters Mean