FNPs are trained to perform detailed developmental assessments and examinations and talk to children and their parents to develop treatment plans to address mental health issues in children. Read on as we explore the fundamental role of family nurse practitioners in handling mental health issues in children.
What is a family nurse practitioner, and what do they do?
Research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness revealed that four million children in the US live with severe mental health disorders. Furthermore, the study showed that only 20% of children diagnosed with a mental health concern receive help from mental health services.
Unfortunately, the high prevalence of child mental health disorders combined with the shortage of mental health services that are age-appropriate are likely to worsen the problem over time. That’s where family nurse practitioners come in to address this problem.
A family nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse. They provide various family-focused healthcare services to patients of different ages. FNPs need a master’s or a doctorate in family medicine before practicing.
As an FNP, you can work as a consultant in a primary care setting or choose to specialize. Typical responsibilities of a family nurse practitioner include performing physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and maintaining patient records. The specific tasks will depend on the setting you choose and the location. The benefits of becoming a FNP include the opportunity to advance in your career, venture into administrative roles, earn more, and enjoy autonomous primary care practice. It’s also a fast-growing career, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 45% increase in employment by 2032. A course such as an online MSN-FNP at American International College develops students’ health assessment concepts, clinical management, and communication and leadership skills.
The role of family nurse practitioners in pediatric mental health
FNPs have a critical role to play in addressing mental health issues in children. Here’s a closer look at how they can help address this pertinent problem.
Conducting thorough mental health assessments in children
A family nurse practitioner’s primary responsibility is to conduct thorough mental health assessments in children. Assessments are beneficial as they help identify mental health issues at an early stage, which prompts intervention and treatment. Early intervention also prevents the problem from worsening and leads to better outcomes.
Conducting an assessment allows FNPs to make accurate diagnoses of mental health issues in children. The professional can create an appropriate treatment plan and ensure positive outcomes with a precise diagnosis.
These assessments are done by interviewing the child and their caregivers to gather information about their psychosocial history, emotional state, and behavior patterns.
Assessment tools such as the child behavior checklist, strengths and difficulties questionnaire, and pediatric symptom checklist help gather quantitative data about a child’s functioning and symptoms. These tools also measure mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and others that are common in children.
FNPs also interact with the children in various settings such as the community, school, and home. That interaction and observation allow the practitioners to gain insights into the child’s social relationships and overall functioning. They can tell a child has underlying mental health concerns if they detect age-inappropriate behavior or witness delayed developmental milestones. Family nurse practitioners may also collaborate with daycare providers, teachers, and other caregivers to get additional information about the child’s social behavior and academic progress.
Assessment also involves delving deeper into a child’s daily activities, including the environment they are in and their family dynamics. Factors such as socioeconomic status, lack of support systems, and familial stressors can contribute to mental illness. Considering all these factors, FNPs can formulate a customized treatment plan.
Additionally, FNPs can use their clinical judgment and consider factors such as cultural background, developmental stage, and individual differences to understand the child’s mental health better. With this approach, they can adapt their assessment approach.
One thing to note is that assessments are not a one-time thing. It’s a continuous process that involves observing the child’s progress and adjusting the treatment where necessary. FNPs go through the previous assessment data to identify changes in the child’s symptoms, determine the efficacy of the treatment, and adjust the treatment plan where necessary.
Making accurate diagnoses based on assessment findings
After a successful assessment, FNPs need to come up with a diagnosis of the mental health issue in a child. Before formulating a diagnosis, a family nurse practitioner must consider factors such as a child’s cultural background, developmental stage, and age.
Family nurse practitioners consult the diagnostic criteria listed in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders for them to diagnose mental health disorders in children. This manual provides a standardized framework for categorizing and classifying mental health disorders depending on functional impairment, symptom presentation, and duration of the mental health issue.
Conducting clinical interviews with the child and their caregiver is also crucial in making a diagnosis. The interviews gather information about a child’s behavioral change, symptoms, and psychosocial history. Through these interviews, they can tell the nature of the symptoms, severity, and factors that could contribute to a child’s mental health concerns.
Diagnosing a mental health concern in children isn’t easy, as they may find it challenging to articulate their thoughts and feelings. In this case, the FNP considers developmental factors such as cognitive abilities, age, and stage of psychosocial development. FNPs can use age-appropriate language and change their assessment approach to promote communication further.
Furthermore, FNPs work with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation. They can gather valuable insights and ensure the child receives support and appropriate care.
Developing individualized child treatment plans
After conducting an assessment and establishing a diagnosis, the following steps are to develop a customized treatment plan to address a child’s mental health concerns. FNPs work together with a child’s family when formulating a treatment plan. This ensures that the treatment plan addresses a child’s unique needs. The nurse practitioner can also consult psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, and other care providers to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to care.
Before coming up with a conclusive treatment plan, a family nurse practitioner also considers a child’s developmental stage, the severity of symptoms, family background, and cultural surroundings, as these may affect the treatment plan.
Part of developing a comprehensive treatment plan involves incorporating evidence-based interventions. Some of these interventions include behavioral strategies, medication management, and psychotherapy. FNPs are constantly researching the latest developments in pediatric mental health. This helps ensure that the treatment interventions are safe, effective, and customized to a child’s specific mental health needs.
When a child needs to be medically managed, the FNP will work with psychiatrists and other care providers to ensure successful medication management. That involves monitoring the medication’s side effects and efficacy. It also addresses the need to have the family educated on proper administration and adherence to the medicine.
Developing a treatment plan is not enough to address a child’s mental health issues. FNPs must educate the child’s family to help them understand their condition, suitable treatment options, and strategies they think would effectively manage symptoms. Education also involves dispelling any myths and misconceptions parents and other caregivers may have and empowering them to participate in the treatment process.
Some children struggle with problematic behaviors, and FNPs need to come up with creative ways to address these issues. A family nurse practitioner may incorporate behavioral interventions in their treatment plan to promote positive behavior change. A few of these interventions include parent-child interaction therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and social skills training. These interventions have been shown to promote positive behavioral change when implemented effectively.
Treatment doesn’t stop by providing medication or implementing behavioral interventions. The process is continuous, and FNPs are responsible for monitoring a child’s progress throughout treatment. They schedule follow-up appointments to determine the treatment’s efficiency and decide whether to adjust it. FNPs also track symptom changes and a child’s response to the intervention. That allows them to modify the treatment plan to ensure a positive outcome.
Pursuing collaboration and advocacy efforts
Aside from their direct clinical responsibilities, FNPs also engage in other external interventions to advocate for children with mental health concerns.
They are involved in creating health policies that support early intervention and prevention. FNPs advocate for access to mental health services within healthcare systems and communities. Furthermore, they educate the public on mental health, dispelling any myths that could lead to stigmatization of mental health illness.
Emphasizing the importance of preventive care and health promotion
FNPs also have a role in emphasizing the need for preventive care and health promotion to ensure children’s overall well-being. Working as a family nurse practitioner teaches children healthy coping skills such as physical activity, drawing, journaling, etc. FNPs also guide children on how to manage challenging emotions and circumstances.
Practicing deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and being mindful are a few stress management techniques family nurse practitioners educate children on.
Encouraging children to join social support networks is another way FNPs promote mental health wellness. Children can get emotional support and encouragement through healthy relationships with their teachers, peers, family members, and other trusted community members.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for children’s well-being. FNPs educate children and their families about the importance of getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in recreational activities. Family nurse practitioners help them understand the connection between physical health and mental well-being. By promoting healthy habits, FNPs can support overall wellness.
Advocating for beneficial programs and policies
FNPs play a role in championing programs and policies that support early intervention and prevention efforts. They work with policymakers, community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to implement programs that promote mental health wellness and awareness. These programs also help in the early identification of risk factors and build resilience. Prioritizing preventative care empowers children and their families to protect their mental health and reduces the risk of developing mental health issues. Furthermore, it promotes the children’s overall well-being.
Leveraging telehealth and technology tools in healthcare delivery
FNPs are now leveraging telehealth and other technological tools to ensure children and their families gain easy access to mental health services, especially for those in remote and inaccessible areas. More nurse practitioners are now using virtual therapy sessions, consultations, and assessments to reach children in underserved areas.
Children and their families enjoy the flexibility and convenient care options for families. Family nurse practitioners also use teletherapy programs, mobile apps, and other online resources to add to traditional treatment methods. This approach also helps to promote engagement.
The future of FNPs in addressing mental health issues in children
Technology advancements, evolving healthcare trends, and changes in healthcare policy may see an expansion in the FNP’s scope of practice. Experts predict that the scope may include more authority and autonomy in diagnosing and treating mental health issues in children. Over time, family nurse practitioners may have greater flexibility in prescribing medications, coordinating comprehensive care, and administering psychotherapy to pediatric patients.
In the future, FNPs are likely to incorporate telehealth and digital health solutions into their daily practice to improve children’s access to mental health services. It’s expected that FNPs will continue using digital tools for patient education, remote monitoring, and self-management support.
With continued innovation, advocacy, and collaboration, FNPs can improve access to high-quality mental health care and promote a positive outcome for children and their families. Going forward, family nurse practitioners will continue to be essential care providers in delivering patient-centered care for children with mental health concerns.
