Small Children, Big Mental Health Needs

Children from birth to age six have important mental health needs that if not addressed can lead to serious problems later on.

So say researchers from the Department of Health and Human Services and the New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health, which collaborated on a study of the mental health needs of the state’s youngest residents.

That study shows that some 7,500 small children – about one in 11 -- need help for symptoms ranging from anti-social behavior to aggression.

But only one in 38 New Hampshire kids actually receive services.

Schreiber says early intervention is cost effective.

"By identifying and treating children early, we’re saving money in the long run on things like special education, out of district residential placements, DCYF, criminal justice, all those areas that are really really expensive."

Recommendations include getting existing agencies to better collaborate on screening, education, and intervention.

The researchers are not asking the state to fund any new programs.

For NHPR News, I’m EG.