Academic Journal
Q1Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
About Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a scholarly journal published by Elsevier Inc.. SCImago 2025 places it in Q1 with an SJR of 3.176 and an H-index of 289.
Its listed coverage is 1962, 1982, 1987-2026 and its research categories include Developmental and Educational Psychology (Q1); Psychiatry and Mental Health (Q1). The 2025 dataset reports 267 documents and 2413 citations across the latest three-year reporting window.
The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) is a premier academic publication dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders in children and adolescents. As the official journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), JAACAP provides an essential platform for clinical and research advancements in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Overview of JAACAP
Established in 1962, the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has long been regarded as a leading resource for mental health professionals, researchers, and clinicians. The journal publishes original research articles, clinical studies, review papers, and case reports, covering a wide range of topics related to child and adolescent mental health. These include developmental psychology, neurobiology, therapeutic interventions, diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based practices in child psychiatry.
High-Impact Research and Scholarly Contributions
JAACAP is known for its high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses some of the most pressing issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. The journal’s content is designed to inform and guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in their efforts to improve the mental health and well-being of young people. By publishing both groundbreaking studies and comprehensive reviews, JAACAP plays a key role in shaping the future of psychiatric care for children and adolescents.
The journal covers a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
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Anxiety disorders
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Psychotic disorders
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Trauma and stress-related disorders
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Early childhood development and mental health
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Psychopharmacology and other therapeutic interventions
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Psychotherapy and behavioral therapies
JAACAP also explores the impact of social, environmental, and genetic factors on the mental health of children and adolescents. With a focus on cutting-edge scientific research, the journal helps readers stay informed about the latest advancements in psychiatric diagnosis, treatment protocols, and innovative therapies.
Impact on Clinical Practice
The research and insights published in JAACAP are invaluable for mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. By providing access to the latest evidence-based findings, the journal enables practitioners to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, JAACAP’s practical focus on real-world applications allows clinicians to implement the latest research in their daily practice, improving patient outcomes and promoting better mental health among young populations.
Global Reach and Collaboration
As a globally recognized journal, JAACAP facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas across borders. Researchers and clinicians from around the world contribute to the journal, fostering international collaboration in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. The journal’s global reach ensures that innovative practices and research findings are shared with a wide audience, further advancing the mental health care field on an international scale.
Journal Metrics
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Aims & Scope
Scope of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP)
The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) stands as a leading peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing the field of child and adolescent mental health. With a strong commitment to evidence-based research, clinical innovation, and public health advocacy, JAACAP serves as a key resource for psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, researchers, and mental health professionals worldwide.
Aims and Scope
The primary aim of JAACAP is to promote the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. The journal covers a comprehensive range of topics, including but not limited to:
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Developmental psychopathology
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Pediatric psychopharmacology
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Behavioral and emotional disorders
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Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD
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Psychosocial interventions and therapy models
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Epidemiology and public policy in youth mental health
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Genetics and neurobiology related to child psychiatry
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Innovative technologies in mental health care delivery
JAACAP encourages submissions that offer new insights into the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health in youth, with a strong preference for articles that combine scientific rigor with clinical applicability.
High-Quality, Peer-Reviewed Research
JAACAP publishes original research articles, review papers, clinical case studies, editorials, and special issues that reflect the most current trends and findings in child and adolescent psychiatry. Each submission undergoes a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific validity, originality, and relevance. The journal’s editorial board comprises leading experts and researchers in the field, ensuring a high standard of quality and academic integrity.
Global Relevance and Impact
As one of the most cited journals in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, JAACAP has a significant impact on global mental health practices and policies. Its international scope fosters the exchange of ideas and evidence-based practices across cultural and national boundaries. Researchers and practitioners around the world rely on JAACAP to stay informed about the latest scientific discoveries, clinical guidelines, and policy developments.
Target Audience
JAACAP is essential reading for professionals involved in mental health care for children and adolescents. This includes:
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Child and adolescent psychiatrists
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Clinical psychologists
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Pediatricians
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Mental health nurses and counselors
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School psychologists and educators
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Policy makers and public health officials
Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion
The journal is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both research and practice. JAACAP seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and support research that addresses disparities in access to mental health care. It also embraces innovations in digital health, artificial intelligence, and telepsychiatry that enhance treatment delivery and outcomes for young populations.
Recent Research Articles
Latest publications matched automatically by ISSN.
Predicting the First Onset of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents Using Multimodal Risk Factors: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study
Josh Nguyen, Dominic B. Dwyer, Yara J. Toenders, Scott D. Tagliaferri et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.07.006Child and Youth Artwork
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/s0890-8567(26)00253-4Editorial: We Need More Research on Youth Suicide
Daniel P. Dickstein
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.12.018In Support of Trauma-Informed Care
Nicole Maiorano, Mel Ó. Súird, Meg Ryan
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.07.1247Precision Optimization of Behavioral Activation for Major and Subthreshold Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Exploring Dose–Response Relationships and Moderating Factors
Xiaolong Huang, Wei Luo, Jiacheng Luo, Yan Zhang et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.12.019L. Eugene Arnold, MD, MEd (1936-2025)
Mary A. Fristad, John V. Campo
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.08.009Charlotte’s Web
Danah Atassi, Arya Soman
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.04.013Editorial: When, Where, and for Whom Does Behavioral Activation Work? Optimizing Treatment for Adolescent Depression
Elizabeth McCauley, Jessica L. Jenness
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.04.006Finding Our Safe Spaces
Justin Schreiber, Misty C. Richards
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.04.008Stratifying the Risk of Depression in Adolescence: The IDEA-RS Calculator
Claudia Buchweitz, Igor Duarte, Julia Bondar, Ricardo Matsumura Araújo et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.03.023A Common Metric for the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory From Early Childhood Through Adolescence
Soo Youn Kim, Paul A. Pilkonis, Lan Yu, Carla A. Mazefsky et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.08.483Family-Based Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is About More Than Weight Gain
James Lock, Brittany Matheson, Booil Jo, Cara Bohon et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.08.015Nonfatal Drug Overdose in a National Sample of Adolescents by Intent and Substance, Medicaid 2016-2020
Greta Bushnell, Mark Olfson, Diane P. Calello, Kristen Lloyd et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.12.002Parasite
Sothy Eng
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.04.014Stratified Stepped-Care for Reducing Suicide Attempts and Self-Harm in Youth: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Joan R. Asarnow, Greg N. Clarke, Alison J. Firemark, Jamie Bedics et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.12.008Editorial: The Importance of Examining Nonfatal Overdoses by Substance and Intent Among US Adolescents
Devika Bhatia
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.03.006Table of Contents
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/s0890-8567(26)00252-2Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Risk Factors for Suicide in Youth Psychological Autopsy Studies
Daniel Dobin, Taylor C. Ryan, Saira Afzal, Fiona Gail Sweeney et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.08.484In Support of Trauma-Informed Care—Author’s Reply
Javeed Sukhera
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.09.001A Prospective Examination of the Predictive Validity of Three Transdiagnostic Assessments of Risk for Suicidal Behavior: Psychache, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and Reasons for Living
Benjamin T. Paul, Catherine Greeno, Neal D. Ryan, Fuchiang (Rich) Tsui et al.
2026-09 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2025.11.010Reviews
Community Reviews
Version History
April 23, 2025 at 3:44 am
April 23, 2025