Close to 200 children’s mental health researchers and practitioners experienced an enlightening and inspiring three days at the fall symposium, “Moving Toward Precision Healthcare in Children’s Mental Health.” National experts in the emerging field of precision healthcare shared findings and perspectives about the growing body of research showing the effectiveness of highly personalized treatments.

Precision health care addresses the question, “What type of intervention design works best for whom? And why or how does it work to benefit individuals?” It draws from disciplines including pharmacogenetics, neuroscience, epigenetics, intervention science, research methodologies, and mobile technologies. Tailoring technologies can include things like smartphone apps, social media, wearables, and other unique delivery systems.

The approach has the potential to overcome barriers for families of varying economic and social circumstances who are addressing mental and behavioral health issues, including substance use disorders.

Articles from the conference will be published in a special edition of the Prevention Science Journal. In the meantime, slides from the presenters can be viewed on the event page.

The annual symposium is hosted by the Institute for Translational Research in Children’s Mental Health. It’s one of the ways the institute is bridging the vast gap between research and practice. A 2017 colloquia series will be announced soon.