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“A mental disorder is an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful and productive life” (Merki, p238). Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their daily life. Some mental health problems are minor, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others can last a lifetime. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in ten children and teens suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause problems in their daily life. “Mental disorders are estimated to affect 16% of U.S. children and youth. This figure reflects on difficulties severe enough to interfere with a child’s daily functioning, including problems with schoolwork, social contacts, and adjustments” (Pardes, p702). Studies show that 8% of teens suffer from depression. In the past 40 to 50 years, adolescent depression has increased drastically. The average beginning age has dropped. While the number of childhood cases diagnosed are equal between boys and girls, twice as many teen girls are diagnosed