The Kids Mental Health Foundation Story

We live in a world where physical and mental health are not treated the same. 

Where we know exactly what to do if our child breaks an arm or gets the flu. But watching a child endure a panic attack or struggle with the effects of fear and stress leaves us feeling completely helpless. And we don’t learn coping skills and breathing exercises until there’s a concern or even an emergency. When maybe, it feels a little too late.

It’s time to reshape our children’s future.

That’s where we come in.

The Kids Mental Health Foundation is the leading organization promoting mental health for children in the United States.

We are creating a world where mental health is a vital part of every child’s upbringing—where children’s mental health is as important as their physical health, and where grown-ups have the skills to help kids face and manage life’s challenges.

The Behavioral Health Experts Behind The Kids Mental Health Foundation

Our free resources – guides, videos, curriculum and articles – are custom-built by more than 1,000 mental health professionals and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with other trusted experts.

The goal behind these free resources is simple: empower adults with the confidence to understand, address and promote the mental health of kids. Parents, teachers, coaches, employers and others who work with children turn to these evidence-informed mental health tools and resources every day, reaching millions of kids across the United States.

Our Commitment: Mental Health Resources for Communities That Need it the Most

Mental health is a vital part of growing up for all kids – no matter where they live, go to school or who they are.

Just like physical health needs can be different for each child, the data tell a similar story when it comes to mental health and wellness. Some communities face lack of trust, and more challenges to accessing evidence-informed mental health information.

The Kids Mental Health Foundation is dedicated to making sure ALL grown-ups who support children have access to expert-created resources to help kids’ mental health. But we also create specific resources for communities at higher risk for mental health concerns by listening to their needs and learning the best way to get them the information. This intentional commitment is ingrained in our strategic plan and a key focus in everything we do.

  • We focus on reaching communities with less access to evidence-informed mental health information or have higher needs, such as Title 1 schools and rural areas.
  • We develop content around issues for specific populations, including the Black community, Spanish-speaking community, immigrant community, LGBTQ+ community and military-connected families.
  • We’re committed to partnering with corporations and organizations serving underrepresented or underserved or at-risk youth.
The Kids Mental Health Foundation & On Our Sleeves

Our Origin as On Our Sleeves

The Kids Mental Health Foundation began as the On Our Sleeves Movement for Children's Mental Health in 2018. Because we know kids don’t wear their thoughts on their sleeves, this awareness and education program gives them a voice.

On Our Sleeves continues today as a signature program of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, partnering with leading children’s hospitals and behavioral health providers across the country. On Our Sleeves' programs help start important conversations and break stigmas by providing free localized resources to families, caregivers, educators and coaches in communities across the U.S.

Join Us

There is much work ahead. And millions more people in need of these evidence-informed resources made possible by philanthropic support from donors like you.

Together, we have the power to change the future for our kids.

Read more about the impact our donors have made to support kids’ mental health throughout the U.S.

Explore KMHF

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