DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

09/29/2025

Maternal mental health (MMH) is a critical component of overall health, encompassing the psychological, physiological, social, and emotional well-being of birthing individuals from pregnancy through two years postpartum. MMH impacts not only the individual but also the child and family unit. When left untreated, symptoms can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences.

Despite advances in medical care, women of color continue to face significant barriers to MMH support, including social determinants of health, stigma, trauma (including historical trauma), and lack of awareness. About 1 in 5 American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, and African American women experience perinatal depression1. Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of maternal death, with su***de and overdose ranking highest within one-year postpartum2. Alarmingly, 75% of women with MMH symptoms remain untreated, resulting in negative health outcomes and high associated costs.

Despite these challenges, local community-based organizations are taking steps to improve access through programs like the DC Mental Access Pediatric Program (DC MAP), which offers therapeutic services for perinatal anxiety and depression under the Help Me Grow Expansion initiative. Continued efforts like these are essential to raising awareness and supporting those most in need.

This article was provided by The DC Mental Access Pediatric Program, which employs an integrated care model aimed at working with pediatric providers to connect youth and families to trauma-informed care. Through a referral process, the DC MAP team offers doctor-to-doctor consultation and family support through care coordination. You can learn more about DC MAP at our website

As of November 19, 2021, the DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics (DC MAP) program has transitioned to a new service provider. Mental health tele-consultation to pediatric primary care providers is no longer being provided by the Children's National Hospital / MedStar Georgetown University Hospital...

09/08/2025

Social Media & Mental Health
The impact of social media on adolescent mental health

Since the early 2000s, social media has transformed how people connect, shaping friendships, community engagement, and access to information. What began as a tool for staying in touch has grown into a primary source for news, entertainment, and cultural trends. Yet, over the past decade, research has increasingly highlighted its complicated relationship with mental health, particularly among adolescents.

Following COVID-19, rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns among teens surged, raising alarms for parents, providers, and policymakers alike. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has cautioned that social media should be viewed as a potential threat to adolescent wellbeing. Surveys reflect this concern: 44% of parents of adolescents (ages 13–17) believe social media is the greatest negative influence on their children, while nearly half of teens themselves report its harmful effects on their peers.

The risks are multifaceted. Cyberbullying, constant comparison, unrealistic expectations, reduced face-to-face interaction, diminished creativity, and excessive screen time all contribute to stress, poor sleep, and lower productivity. Many teens openly acknowledge that these patterns negatively affect their daily functioning and overall sense of wellness.

Research underscores the importance of open, non-judgmental dialogue between adults and adolescents about online habits and mental health. Providers can play a pivotal role by equipping parents with tools to recognize subtle shifts in mood, sleep, and behavior, fostering early intervention and healthier digital engagement.

This article was provided by The DC Mental Access Pediatric Program, which employs an integrated care model aimed at working with pediatric providers to connect adolescents to trauma-informed care. Through a referral process, the DC MAP team offers doctor-to-doctor consultation and family support through care coordination. You can learn more about DC MAP at our website

As of November 19, 2021, the DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics (DC MAP) program has transitioned to a new service provider. Mental health tele-consultation to pediatric primary care providers is no longer being provided by the Children's National Hospital / MedStar Georgetown University Hospital...

08/31/2025

DCAAP and DCMAP are partnering to bring Maternal Mental Health (MMH) Resources to individuals from pregnancy through two years postpartum. MMH impacts not only the individual but also the child and family unit. When left untreated, symptoms can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences. For more information on MMH,

DC Mental Health Access in Primary Care (DC MAP) offers free mental health consultation services to local primary care providers.

08/30/2025

Maternal Mental Health Resources Available - Maternal mental health (MMH) is a critical component of overall health, encompassing the psychological, physiological, social, and emotional well-being of birthing individuals from pregnancy through two years postpartum. MMH impacts not only the individual but also the child and family unit. When left untreated, symptoms can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences.
Despite advances in medical care, women of color continue to face significant barriers to MMH support, including social determinants of health, stigma, trauma (including historical trauma), and lack of awareness. About 1 in 5 American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, and African American women experience perinatal depression1. Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of maternal death, with su***de and overdose ranking highest within one-year postpartum2. Alarmingly, 75% of women with MMH symptoms remain untreated, resulting in negative health outcomes and high associated costs2.
Data on MMH in the District is limited; however, a recent Perinatal Mental Health Task Force report gave the District a D+ for MMH services, with the national average being a D3. Additionally, about 70% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in Wards 7 and 83.
Despite these challenges, local community-based organizations are taking steps to improve access through programs like the DC Mental Access Pediatric Program (DC MAP), which offers therapeutic services for perinatal anxiety and depression under the Help Me Grow Expansion initiative. Continued efforts like these are essential to raising awareness and supporting those most in need.
This article was provided by The DC Mental Access Pediatric Program, which employs an integrated care model aimed at working with pediatric providers to connect youth and families to trauma-informed care. Through a referral process, the DC MAP team offers doctor-to-doctor consultation and family support through care coordination. You can learn more about DC MAP at our website

As of November 19, 2021, the DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics (DC MAP) program has transitioned to a new service provider. Mental health tele-consultation to pediatric primary care providers is no longer being provided by the Children's National Hospital / MedStar Georgetown University Hospital...

08/15/2025

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a healthcare approach that recognizes the profound impact of trauma on individuals and communities. DCAAP is committed to providing resources to pediatric providers - check out our Trauma-Informed Toolkit: https://www.aapdc.org/trauma-informed-care-toolkit/ TIC prioritizes understanding the effects of trauma and embedding this knowledge into treatment methods. Children are especially susceptible to trauma, and studies indicate that unaddressed adverse childhood experiences can result in negative consequences later in life.

Trauma, especially exposure to violence, significantly impacts the mental health of adolescents. Young people who experience trauma often exhibit signs that indicate a need for Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), such as academic struggles, behavioral issues, and increased high-risk behaviors. They also face a higher risk of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Understanding these connections is vital for offering effective support and interventions to help adolescents overcome their challenges.

Over 30% of children in Washington D.C have considered su***de, indicating a serious mental health crisis. The problem is worse for those in underserved and impoverished communities, where 7.4% face a higher risk of community and interpersonal violence—double the national average. This highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to improve the well-being of children in the District of Columbia.

This article was provided by The DC Mental Access Pediatric Program, which employs an integrated care model aimed at working with pediatric providers to connect adolescents to trauma-informed care. Through a referral process, the DC MAP team offers doctor-to-doctor consultation and family support through care coordination. You can learn more about DC MAP at our website https://www.dcmap.org/

Policy Statement Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems Community Resources for Pediatricians Visit Website SchoolTalk is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a dedicated mission to address intricate issues affecting underprivileged young individuals and the educational sy...

07/03/2025

DCAAP proudly supports this annual event. Register now!

05/16/2025

Pediatricians stand up to Congress to protect Medicaid and the health of DC (and America's poorest children.

05/14/2025

DCAAP was excited to host Dr. Anthony Fauci as the keynote speaker for our May 8th Spring Symposium on The Power of Prevention: The Past and Future of Pediatric Vaccinations. Dr. Fauci reminded us of how important immunizations and ongoing vaccine research are to keeping kids healthy. “Much Accomplished, More to Do.” Congratulations on this important event and to DCAAP leadership and planning team Jessica Weisz, MD, FAAP; Matthew Magyar, MD, MPH, FAAP; Jessica Lazerov, MD, MBA; Celina Brunson, Meg Sullivan, and Keith Montgomery.

12/08/2024

December 9th deadline! Vaccines keep your children healthy and happy. Update your child's vaccines by December 9th to ensure your child can safely attend daycare, school, and enjoy playdates with friends. Protect your child's health and let them stay active and engaged. Get vaccinated today!

12/04/2024

December 9th deadline! Ensure your child's well-being with timely vaccinations. Vaccines are a simple step towards a healthier, happier childhood. Keep your child protected and let them enjoy their favorite activities without worry. Get vaccinated now!