Pharmacological agents originating in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are often used by parents to treat youths with major depression and anxiety disorders prior to the involvement, or without the awareness, of the child and adolescent psychiatrist. Their widespread use requires psychiatrists to be familiar with their risks, adverse effects, and interactions with conventional agents, as well as the data documenting their safety and potential clinical value. This Workshop introduces research psychiatrists to novel compounds emerging from CAM that have a high priority for future studies of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety treatment of children. Critiques of available research in adults and youth, clinical summaries, and recommendations of high-quality brand products are offered. Participants receive information that will help them conduct clinical trials on these previously tabooed agents, highlighting how CAM trails can be optimized and what pitfalls can be avoided.