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2021 Youth Mental Health Disparities Conference: Identifying Opportunities and Priorities in Youth Mental Health Disparities Research

Date

December 8–9, 2021

Location

Virtual

Overview

The NIMH Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD), together with NIMHD and NICHD, convened a virtual conference titled, “Identifying Opportunities and Priorities in Youth Mental Health Disparities Research” on December 8 and 9, 2021. The conference was held in response to language from the House Committee on Appropriations Report , calling for “a conference of leading extramural experts on health disparities… to discuss research opportunities and gaps, as well as evidence-based solutions and therapeutic interventions.” The conference brought together a diverse group of expert panelists to assess the state of the science and the short- and longer-term research priorities related to improving mental health treatment, services, and outcomes for youth and adolescents from communities that experience health and related disparities. The conference agenda included the broad topics of risk and etiology; detection; identification and screening; mental health interventions and treatment services; and follow-up mental health care. Panelists’ expertise ranged from developmental psychopathology to infant and adolescent health, from cultural factors in risk and protective processes to mental health services research, all with an eye towards disparities and equity.

In addition, a closed session was held with representatives of other federal agencies to explore synergies, opportunities, and mutual activities that could contribute to the goal of reducing or eliminating mental health disparities and improving youth mental health.

Sponsored by

  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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