About This Website
- This website introduces research and initiatives that support the mental health of parents and children.
- Drawing on voices from real-life settings, we explore new ways to provide care—such as support for fathers’ mental health, children’s anxiety, and the needs that arise during pregnancy and early parenting.
- Our aim is to help build a society where all families can feel secure and supported in raising their children.
Profile
Erika Obikane
MD, MPH, PhD (Pediatrician)
Affiliations
Chief, Division of Behavioral Science, Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development
Part-time Lecturer, Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Qualifications
Pediatrician (Board Certified); Master of Public Health; Doctor of Medicine
Research Interests
perinatal depression, paternal mental health, parent-child mental health, risk assessment in maternal and child health, prevention of child abuse, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)
Through my work as a pediatrician, I have come to deeply recognize how closely parental mental health is connected to children’s physical and emotional well-being and healthy development.
In particular, identifying early signs of challenges or minor distress in both mothers and fathers—from pregnancy onward—and providing preventive support for mental health are essential for promoting the overall health of families.
A common thread throughout my research is the importance of early identification of support needs, and developing systems that enable ongoing support regardless of region or setting, by using ICT and empowering caregivers themselves—even where medical professionals are limited.
I hope to explore, together with others, new ways to support the well-being of parents and children.
Professional Background
Current Appointments
April 2026 – Current
Chief, Division of Behavioral Science, Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development
October 2023 – March 2026
Senior Researcher, Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development
(Designated as an Outstanding Researcher for FY2024)
April 2022 – Present
Part-time Lecturer, Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
April 2021 – March 2022
Project Assistant Professor, Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
April 2017 – March 2024
Part-time Pediatrician, Tokyo Metropolitan Child Guidance Center
2014 – March 2016
Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Kameda General Hospital
2013
Research Associate (Visiting Scholar), Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
April 2008 – March 2013
Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Kameda General Hospital
April 2005 – March 2008
Resident, Department of General Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development
April 2003 – March 2005
Junior Resident, Department of Clinical Training, Musashino Red Cross Hospital
Research Introduction
With the aim of building a society where parents and children can feel safe and supported, I conduct research and initiatives focused on mental health from pregnancy through the school-age years.
Here are three ongoing projects I am currently working on.
Risk Assessment in Maternal and Child Health
We are collaborating with the Children and Families Agency and local governments to develop a standardized tool to identify difficulties and early signs of distress in families during pregnancy and early parenting.
To promote the use of this tool, we are conducting training sessions across Japan for maternal and child health professionals.
In addition, we are analyzing local government risk assessment data to better understand the challenges families face in different regions, and are working with municipalities to reflect on these findings and improve support strategies tailored to local needs.
Perinatal Mental Health for Fathers
This study focuses on supporting expectant fathers so they can approach parenting without being overwhelmed by anxiety or stress.
We have developed an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program that adapts methods commonly used in workplace mental health support, tailored for the perinatal period—from pregnancy through the postpartum months.
The program consists of seven short sessions, each about five minutes long, featuring relatable examples of common concerns during pregnancy and helping participants learn coping strategies using CBT techniques.
We are currently conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in preventing paternal perinatal depression, and are recruiting participants through the website of the Department of Social Medicine at the National Center for Child Health and Development.
Children’s Mental Health
This study explores how parents can support school-age children experiencing anxiety by learning effective coping strategies themselves.
Building on a parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program developed at the University of Oxford, this research aims to adapt the approach for diverse cultural contexts around the world.
Japan is participating in the international collaboration and is currently working on a Japanese version of the program tailored to the needs of children and families in local school and home settings.
For inquiries about research collaboration, interviews, or speaking opportunities, please get in touch using the form below.
© Promoting Parent and Child Mental Health｜Erika Obikane.