About the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Advancing behavioral science research in developmental psychopathology, cognitive assessment, and youth mental health measurement through rigorous peer-reviewed scholarship.
Exploring the Science of Youth Mental Health
The Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JCAP) (ISSN 2643-6655) serves as a premier international platform for behavioral science research examining the psychological mechanisms, cognitive processes, and social behaviors that influence mental health development in children and adolescents. Our focus is on advancing scientific understanding through empirical investigation, measurement innovation, and theoretical frameworks that illuminate youth psychopathology.
JCAP publishes rigorous research exploring epidemiology, psychopathology, assessment methodologies, brain-behavior relationships, family systems, psychosocial factors, and policy implications. We emphasize scientific inquiry over clinical application, fostering discovery that can inform future intervention development and health system innovation.
As an open access journal, JCAP ensures global dissemination of research findings to behavioral scientists, researchers, epidemiologists, measurement specialists, and academic professionals dedicated to understanding developmental mental health through evidence-based investigation.
JCAP welcomes original empirical research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, measurement studies, and theoretical contributions that advance behavioral science understanding of child and adolescent mental health. Our scope emphasizes research methodology, scientific measurement, psychological theory, and epidemiological investigation.
Research on psychological disorder trajectories, risk and protective factors, developmental transitions, and longitudinal patterns in youth populations.
Studies on measurement validation, screening tools, diagnostic assessment methods, neuropsychological testing, and behavioral observation protocols.
Large-scale investigations of prevalence, incidence, demographic patterns, and social determinants of mental health conditions in youth.
Brain imaging studies, neuropsychological correlates, cognitive mechanisms, executive function, and brain-behavior relationships in developmental context.
Research examining family dynamics, peer relationships, school environments, social support networks, and systemic influences on youth mental health.
Psychometric studies, scale development, validation research, statistical modeling, and innovative research methods in youth mental health assessment.
Studies on access patterns, utilization rates, service delivery models, policy analysis, and system-level factors affecting youth mental health care.
Research on prevention frameworks, early identification approaches, risk screening, protective factor development, and population-level prevention strategies.
JCAP provides a rigorous yet efficient publishing pathway for behavioral scientists seeking to disseminate high-quality research to an international audience. Our commitment to scientific excellence, transparent peer review, and rapid publication timelines makes JCAP an ideal venue for researchers advancing the field.
- Rigorous peer review by experts in developmental psychopathology, measurement science, and behavioral research methodology
- Rapid publication timeline with median 30-day submission-to-acceptance and 2-day acceptance-to-publication
- Global open access dissemination ensuring maximum visibility and impact for your research
- Comprehensive indexing in major academic databases including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and discipline-specific repositories
- No restrictions on article length, supplementary materials, or data sharing to support reproducibility
- Transparent editorial process with clear decision communication and constructive reviewer feedback
- Support for emerging researchers, international collaborations, and diverse methodological approaches
JCAP maintains a streamlined submission workflow designed to respect researchers' time while ensuring rigorous scientific evaluation. All manuscripts undergo thorough peer review by subject matter experts who assess methodological rigor, theoretical contribution, and scientific significance.
- Review JCAP's Aims & Scope and Instructions for Authors to ensure manuscript alignment with journal standards
- Prepare manuscript following formatting guidelines, including structured abstract, keywords, and proper citation format
- Submit via the online submission portal or email to [email protected] with all required components
- Receive initial editorial screening response within 72 hours confirming receipt and scope evaluation
- Undergo peer review by 2-3 expert reviewers who assess scientific merit, methodology, and contribution
- Receive editorial decision with reviewer feedback and revision guidance (typically within 12 days)
- Submit revised manuscript addressing reviewer comments point-by-point
- Receive final acceptance decision and move to production phase
- Review proofs and approve final version for publication (48-hour turnaround)
- Article published online with DOI assignment and submitted to indexing services
Authors should prepare manuscripts that emphasize methodological rigor, clear reporting of findings, and appropriate statistical analysis. Required components include:
- Title page with author information, affiliations, and corresponding author contact
- Structured abstract (250 words maximum) with background, methods, results, and conclusions
- Keywords (4-6 terms) for indexing and discoverability
- Introduction establishing research context and theoretical framework
- Methods section detailing study design, participants, measures, procedures, and analytical approach
- Results section presenting findings with appropriate statistical reporting
- Discussion interpreting findings, addressing limitations, and suggesting future research directions
- References formatted according to journal style guidelines
- Tables and figures with clear captions and professional presentation
JCAP is committed to open access publishing, making all research freely available to the global scientific community. This model supports knowledge dissemination, enhances research impact, and promotes equity in scientific access. Articles are published under Creative Commons licensing that permits reuse with proper attribution.
To sustain open access operations, JCAP charges article processing charges upon acceptance. These fees support peer review management, editorial operations, production services, and long-term digital preservation. Waivers and discounts may be available for authors from low-income countries or those facing financial constraints.
JCAP maintains the highest standards of editorial integrity, implementing rigorous peer review processes that evaluate scientific merit, methodological quality, and contribution to the field. Our editorial board comprises internationally recognized experts in developmental psychopathology, measurement science, epidemiology, and behavioral research.
The peer review process is designed to be constructive, fair, and efficient. Reviewers provide detailed feedback on study design, analytical approaches, interpretation of findings, and manuscript clarity. Authors receive actionable guidance for improving their work, regardless of publication decision.
"I am pleased to note your quality work, professionalism and responsiveness. The decision-making process is carried out quickly and efficiently. Reviewers' evaluations are objective, useful, and aimed at improving articles. Layout and design are of good quality. I believe the journal maintains strong standards. My colleagues and I are determined to continue cooperation with you."
"My experience with you was wonderful: you are not just focused on processing manuscripts, as unfortunately some competitors do, but show a real interest in publishing quality science and helping to improve manuscript quality. Thanks to valuable prompt suggestions by your Editors, I was able to reach the final product in few weeks since submission. Thank you."
Advance Behavioral Science Research with JCAP
Join an international community of researchers dedicated to understanding the scientific foundations of child and adolescent mental health. Submit your empirical research, systematic reviews, or methodological innovations to JCAP and contribute to the evidence base informing future practice and policy.
