"When it comes to mental health, we have it all backwards," asserts Michael Milham, chief science officer for the Child Mind Institute.. "Instead of playing catch-up, we need to be proactive," A cognitive neuroscientist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, Milham has witnessed first-hand the consequences of untreated mental health issues in children and adolescents.

Half of all adult mental health problems begin before the age of 14 and 75% by age 24, he observes. “Fewer than half the instances of disorder are treated during childhood. By the time adults seek therapy, their problems may have become deeply ingrained and more difficult to address.”

"These conditions are real, common, and treatable,' says Milham. "Too many children are left to struggle in silence due to lack of resources."

In his view, ignoring treatable disorders in young people—whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or mood disorders—means missing a crucial opportunity for early intervention.

The treatment deficit is especially pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where 90% of the world's children live and access to mental health care is limited. The Child Mind Institute aims to change the situation by promoting early detection and treatment.

One significant barrier to early intervention is the shortage of mental health professionals specializing in child and adolescent care. "We do not have a sufficient workforce for........

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