Course Description
Children’s mental and behavioral health concerns can significantly affect development, learning, relationships, and overall well-being. This course provides an overview of the psychological aspects of pediatric care and examines common childhood and adolescent mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, eating disorders, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), substance abuse, schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
Learners will also explore important issues affecting pediatric populations, such as bullying, suicide risk, social media use, and peer pressure. Emphasis is placed on early recognition, appropriate referral, family-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the medical assistant’s role in supporting children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand and describe the basics of mental health in pediatric care, particularly symptoms and treatment
- Identify and describe common mental health diagnoses including their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and their treatment
- Describe bullying and its warning signs
- Identify suicide risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, and prevention treatment
- Understand the social media habits of children as well as the benefits and risks of using social media
- Describe peer pressure and its positive and negative influences
What’s Included
eLearning course with a milestone practice test, downloadable companion eHandbook, and downloadable fact sheet.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Developed this educational program and accompanying resources addressing pediatric mental health conditions, behavioral disorders, psychosocial influences, and supportive care strategies for healthcare professionals.
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and ambulatory care team members who provide care for children and adolescents. Learners will strengthen their ability to recognize behavioral and mental health concerns, support families, facilitate appropriate referrals, and contribute to comprehensive, patient-centered pediatric care.
Ready to Complete the ABC-P Program?