Blog
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Promoting Mental Health in Schools: Evidence-Based Strategies for a Stepped, Collaborative Approach
Recent research has highlighted the advantages of comprehensive school mental health (SMH) systems, particularly those organised around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS provides a coherent structure integrating prevention, early intervention and intensive support to meet diverse student needs (Barrett et al., 2018) acknowledging the interdependence of academic outcomes, mental health and social-emotional development.
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Early Bird webinar offers for 2026
In 2026 we are offering a rich programme of research-informed webinars centred on improving evidence-based practice across youth mental health, ALL WITH EARLY BIRDS!
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Supporting Children and Young People with Complex Trauma Histories: Rethinking Readiness for Treatment
Children and young people who have experienced trauma often present with a range of emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties. There is robust evidence that trauma-focused psychological therapies are effective for PTSD in children and adolescents. Nonetheless, clinicians sometimes hesitate to offer these approaches to young people whose circumstances are complicated—for example, those with ongoing instability, high levels of distress, suicide risk, or multiple comorbidities. Some are told they are ‘not ready’, or that therapy should wait until other difficulties are managed. However, current evidence suggests that complexities are not, in themselves, a reason to delay treatment.
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Special Educational Needs and Young People Involved in Violence
Children and young people with special educational needs (SENs) are more likely to commit violent offences compared to those without SENs. Our research team used existing data from school and police records from over 1.5 million children and young people to unpack this relationship. The aim of our project was to identify what works to reduce violent offending and re-offending in children and young people with SENs.
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ACAMH Awards 2025 Results – Recognising Advancements in CAMH Research and Practice
It is our pleasure to announce the results for the 2025 ACAMH Awards. Congratulations to all winners, highly commended and the nominees!
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Neuroanatomical Variability and Early Substance Use Initiation: Insights from the ABCD Study
Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, making it a sensitive window for experiences that may shape long-term outcomes. A new study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) project examined whether neuroanatomical variability is linked to early initiation of alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis. Drawing on baseline brain images taken before substance use began, the researchers found regionally specific differences in cortical thickness and surface area among early initiators. The findings highlight the complexity of adolescent neurodevelopment and point to the value of large-scale, longitudinal studies in clarifying how brain structure and behaviour unfold together.
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Clinical Academic Training in England or How to Become an Academic Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist 101
Clinical academia in the United Kingdom is facing a paradox; while training the next generation of clinical academic doctors in the UK is becoming more competitive and restrictive, with many candidates disputing one position, on the other hand, the overall number of clinical academics is diminishing. So, amid increasing competition, why and how to pursue a clinical academic career in child and adolescent psychiatry?
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Honouring Excellence in Peer Review – Peer Review Week 2025
As a part of Peer Review Week 2025, to show our gratitude for the ongoing support and service of our reviewers to the journals, and the wider scientific community, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all peer reviewers. We are proud to present the list of Top Reviewers for the 2024 calendar year.
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Enhancing Motivation in Adolescents With ADHD: Long-Term Insights From the STAND Trial
ADHD is a long-term condition that often continues into adulthood, bringing academic, social, and health challenges. A new community trial tested Supporting Teens’ Autonomy Daily (STAND), a programme that combines motivational interviewing with parent–teen collaboration and training in organisation, time management, and planning skills. The study found that STAND improved outcomes when delivered by licensed therapists, highlighting both promise and implementation challenges.
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