The Minnesota Society of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (MSCAP) is the professional home for child and adolescent psychiatrists across Minnesota.

We are dedicated to advancing the science, practice, and impact of child and adolescent psychiatry. Our members lead the way in improving diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of mental health conditions affecting children, teens, and families.

MSCAP advocates boldly for policies and systems that support the mental health of young people. We represent Minnesota’s child and adolescent psychiatrists at the state, regional, and national levels, ensuring our voices shape conversations that matter. Together, we are strengthening the future of children’s mental health in Minnesota.
MPR News: What Children Need from Adults in Moments of Fear and Change

PJ Striker, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist, member of the MSCAP Executive Committee, and psychiatrist on the inpatient mental health unit at Children’s Minnesota, joined MPR News to discuss how adults can support children during times of fear and uncertainty. She also serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.

In the interview, she shares practical guidance for parents, caregivers, and communities on promoting emotional safety, stability, and resilience.
Minnesota Moms Pledge to Delay Social Media

In this recent KARE11 segment, a group of Minnesota parents share their effort to delay social media use until age 16 through the “Buzz Off Social” pledge. The story explores the growing concern about how early and constant exposure to social media is affecting kids.

Dr. Joshua Stein of PrairieCare, a member of both the Minnesota Society of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Minnesota Psychiatric Society, offers perspective on what we’re seeing clinically. He explains how rapid, short-form content can impact attention span and working memory in developing brains, and how the “like-based” culture of social media can fuel anxiety, comparison, and depression in some youth. He also notes that while social media can foster connection and reduce stigma around mental health, boundaries and thoughtful use matter.
​​Statement from the Minnesota Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MSCAP)

Recent events in Minnesota, including the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti and intensified federal immigration enforcement actions, are being felt by children and adolescents across our state. As child and adolescent psychiatrists, we are concerned about how these events shape young people’s developing sense of safety, stability, and trust.

Children absorb fear and uncertainty from caregivers, media, schools, and community conversations, even when they are not directly involved. Exposure to violence and unpredictability has negative effects on sleep, learning, emotional regulation, and relationships. The effect of trauma is destabilizing and contributes to developmental damage.

A child’s sense of safety depends on predictable routines, trusted adults, and communities that feel stable and protective. When those foundations feel shaken, children will suffer from heightened anxiety, withdrawal, irritability, behavioral changes, and difficulty concentrating.

As Minnesota child and adolescent psychiatrists, we believe mental health must be prioritized in how policies and public actions are designed and communicated. Supporting children requires calm, honest communication, strong partnerships with caregivers and schools, and access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care. When children feel safe and supported, families and communities are stronger.

We also encourage families and caregivers to reach out for help if children are struggling - early support can prevent long-term harm, and you do not have to be in crisis to seek support. In Minnesota, families can use FastTrackerMN to find mental health and substance use services and real-time appointments, and NAMI MN for support groups, classes, and more crisis resources. Additional guidance on supporting children after traumatic events is available through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). For immediate support, help is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).

Below are statements from Minnesota Psychiatric Society colleagues reflecting on the broader mental health impacts our communities are experiencing: