Children's Mental Health Resources

What to Do If Your Child is in Crisis

Recognizing that your child is experiencing a mental health crisis can be difficult. You may not be sure what constitutes a crisis situation versus a “bad day” or “phase.” You may feel scared — perhaps you feel unsure of how to protect your child.

How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health

Talking with your child about emotional topics, such as their mental health, can feel uncomfortable. This can be due to the stigma involved, lack of information or even fears of possible blame.

What to Look For and When to Act

While each mental health condition is unique, they all impact emotions, thoughts and behavior. Here are some things to consider in deciding to intervene.

Getting Your Child Mental Health Support and Accommodations in School

As a parent or caregiver, it can be frustrating to watch your child struggle at school with behavioral, emotional, learning or attention issues and not know how to help them. Often, when children are grappling with emotional and behavioral challenges, these difficulties interfere with their school performance and functioning.

LGBT Youth TalkLine

Operating Hours: M-F 1pm – 9pm Sat. 9am – 2pm (Pacific)

A safe space where you can open up and talk about coming out, bullying, isolation, identity, family issues and much more. Anonymous and confidential.

Call 800-246-7743

Trans Lifeline

A peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. Call us if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis or if you may not yet identify as trans.

Call 877-565-8860

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project provides free and confidential information and support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round. You can connect to a crisis counselor via chat, phone or text message.

Parents Guide to Teen Depression

Determine how to tell if your child is depressed, and what actions you can take.

Seize the Awkward

Talking about mental health might be uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference.  Learn what to say.

CA Parent and Youth Help Line

Operating Hours: 8am – 8pm

A free, confidential call, text or livechat resource for parents and youth seeking emotional support.

Call 855-427-2736

Know the Signs: Prevent Suicide

Recognize the warning signs of suicide to better support those you love.

Mental Health Minute: Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents:

Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about stress and anxiety in adolescents.

NIMH Expert Discusses Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults:

Learn the signs, symptoms, and treatments of bipolar disorder as well as tips for managing bipolar disorder during the pandemic.

Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents:

Learn about research related to stress on children and adolescent brains, and diagnosis and treatments for severe irritability disorder.

Teen Depression Study:

Learn about NIMH research studies to understand the causes of depression, the teen brain, and evaluate new treatments, and how to participate.

NIMH Deputy Director Dr. Shelli Avenevoli Discusses the Youth Mental Health Crisis:

Learn about youth suicide, the effects of technology and the pandemic on the developing brain, and tips for supporting the mental health of youth.

Get to Know Your Brain:

Your brain is an incredible and complex organ! It helps you think, learn, create, and feel emotions, and it controls every blink, breath, and heartbeat. Learn more about the parts of the brain and what each area helps control.