Child and adolescent psychiatry training in the 21st century

The mental health needs of the nation's children, adolescents and families are not being met for a variety of social, economic, cultural and political reasons. A shortage of children's mental health providers, including child and adolescent psychiatrists, is one aspect of the problem. Barriers to recruitment into the field of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) and proposed initiatives at the local and national levels to help alleviate the work force shortage are discussed. A description of the child and adolescent psychiatrist and the training requirements are provided. A challenge to training programs is to prepare graduates who are competent to provide critical mental health care to our youth and their families in the 21st century, while preserving the unique qualities of our profession.