A core group of experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health felt the need for creating awareness about the importance of child and adolescent mental health and the need for greater attention to development of services in this field. The idea to form an association was first mooted at the "National Workshop on Child Mental Health: needs and priorities in India" in November 1988 held at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. The memorandum for formation of the association prepared by Prof. Savita Malhotra was introduced at the first conference of the Indian Association of Child and adolescent Mental Health at Pune in November 1990. The IACAM came into being with Prof. Roshen Master as the founder President and Prof. Savita Malhotra as its first Secretary general. The association was registered on 22.11.91 at Chandigarh. Foundation meeting of the Association was held on 23.1.92 at New Delhi where the constitution of the IACAM was adopted and membership was opened to professionals working in the area of mental health and allied specialities. The Association has steadily grown and strengthened. The present membership stands very close to 200, of which 15 are overseas members.

IACAM is a multi-disciplinary organization with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, teachers, pediatricians, special educators, child development experts and other allied professionals working with children or interested in the field of child mental health as its members.

To promote the study, treatment, care and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and deficiencies of infants, children, adolescents and their families.
To promote national and international collaboration among professionals in the field related to child and adolescent mental health.
To focus on the practice and research in child and adolescent mental health and to make the knowledge available to the professionals and public through various scientific activities.
To promote positive mental health in children and adolescents with concern for laying a foundation for better adulthood and future society.