This site is designed to serve both AACAP Members, Parents and Families. Information is provided as a public service to aid in the understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders which affect an estimated 7 to 12 million children and adolescents at any given time in the United States.

The American Psychiatric Association is a medical specialty society recognized worldwide. Its 40,500 U.S. and international physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders.

The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 155,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students.

The Federal Center for Mental Health Services estimates that as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may have depression. Left untreated, childhood depression can lead to school failure, substance abuse and even suicide.

We know that people with mental illnesses are people who have all the same rights and needs as all other people, but many more obstacles. People with mental illnesses must manage their disorder whether or not they are in the doctor's office. A whole person, with all the same concerns and needs as anyone else.

New York State has a large, multi-faceted mental health system which serves over 500,000 individuals each year. The Office of Mental Health operates psychiatric centers across the state, and also regulates, certifies and oversees more than 2,500 programs which are operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies. These programs include various inpatient and outpatient programs, emergency, community support, residential and family care programs.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations welcomes you to our web site. The purpose of our site is to inform the public; the health care community; and purchasers, employers, and unions about the Joint Commission, its services, and its products.