Strategies for Enhancing Child and Adolescent Mental Health

The prevention of mental health disorders and development of competence and well-being are critical for enhanceing the long-term adjustment of children and adolescents. Approaches to mental health promotion are discussed in this article in terms of (a) preventing the onset of disorders: (b) strengthening competencies to enable children and adolescents to better handle life stressors; and (c) assisting children and adolescents in dealing with life transitions. Examples which illustrate the approaches are included.