Free Mental Health Resources

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For Parents & Caregivers

Article

Kindness Benefits Children’s Mental Health

Gina McDowell, LPCC-S

Kindness can improve mental health by boosting mood, increasing feelings of belonging and reducing anxiety
When kindness becomes a habit, it can increase a child’s self-confidence
There are simple ways you can teach your child about acts of kindness

Article

Supporting Military-Connected Kids’ Mental Health

Elena Camacho, MSW, LSW

Military-connected kids often face frequent moves, long separations and sudden transitions. Supporting their mental health requires structure, emotional availability and a sense of belonging.
Routines can help create stability and a sense of security amid constant change.
Validating kids' emotions, honoring their experiences and celebrating the strengths of military life (like adaptability and resilience) can build trust and promote long-term well-being.
Trusted adults should watch for signs of stress like withdrawal, physical symptoms (e.g. stomachaches) or mood swings and act early by connecting families to specialized support.

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Beyond Kindness: Talking to Kids About Justice

Gina McDowell, LPCC-S

Explore how to talk about justice with children to promote mental wellness. Kids Mental Health Foundation provides resources to help foster understanding and support for children's mental health.

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Starting the Conversation with Kids

Ariana Hoet, PhD

You can support children's mental health and create a healthy relationship by regularly talking with them about their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Establish routines for checking in with them when there are fewer distractions such as during car rides, family dinners or at bedtime.
Share some of your thoughts and feelings to show children that all emotions are OK and discuss the coping strategies you use.
Encourage children to share by asking open-ended questions about various topics, not just emotions or behaviors. If children don't want to talk, respect their space and try again later.

Article

Cyberbullying - What Is It and How to Help Protect Kids

Jay Chinn, PhD

Cyberbullying is hurtful, targeted behavior using digital platforms like social media, texts and games, with tactics like doxxing, catfishing and harassment.
It differs from traditional bullying because it can be anonymous, can occur 24/7 and may leave a lasting digital trail that can spread rapidly.
Cyberbullying can cause harm to mental health such as anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, academic issues and even suicidal thoughts.
Warning signs include withdrawal, irritability, secrecy around devices and loss of interest in usual activities.

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Kids and Social Media

Anne Dawson, PhD; Mary Fristad, PhD; Ariana Hoet, PhD

Social media can offer benefits like stronger relationships, self-understanding and community, but also poses risks to children’s mental health.
Social media use should be limited and monitored based on the child's age and maturity.
A child may be ready for social media if they have an open and trusting relationship with you, are confident in who they are, respect boundaries and know how to stay safe online.
Continue daily conversations and monitoring of your child's social media use to ensure their safety and well-being.

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For Teachers & Coaches

Article

Why School Belonging Matters

William Leever, PsyD

A sense of belonging at school helps children feel supported, respected and accepted, which is good for their mental health.
Children who feel they belong are more engaged in schoolwork, perform better academically and are less likely to experience loneliness, anxiety and depression.
Teachers can foster belonging by connecting individually with students, encouraging classroom connections and empowering students.
Parents and caregivers can support school belonging by taking an interest in their child's school life and checking in regularly with the child about school.

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Helping Youth Athletes Focus on Mental Health

Catherine Butz, PhD

Talk with young athletes about their thoughts and feelings about their sport to understand their goals and whether they are feeling pressure.
Focus on effort and goals for improvement rather than the outcome and give personal praise on skills to build a supportive team environment.
Promote hobbies, other activities outside of sports, and time with friends to provide emotional balance and time for self-care.

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Classroom Conversation Starters

Whitney Raglin Bignall, PhD

Getting to know your class and encouraging students to get to know one another can improve classroom belonging.
Asking open-ended questions can be a great way to get everyone to share.
While you can encourage all students to participate, try to avoid making a student answer a question they’re not comfortable with.

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Spotting Suicide Warning Signs in Students and What to Do

John Ackerman, PhD

Suicide warning signs include changes in behavior (such as withdrawing from others), mood (which could include irritability or anger) or declining academic performance.
Pay attention to what students say, how they’re engaging with peers and listening for expressions of hopelessness or talk about death.
If you notice warning signs, engage in open conversations, support the student and seek help from mental health professionals or school staff.

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10 Ways to Combat Bullying

Nakeia Hudson, LISW-S, MBA; Ariana Hoet, PhD

Adults can teach children empathy, kindness and how to deal with their emotions early on to prevent bullying.
Conversations about bullying should happen before issues arise.
Encourage children to be upstanders by including others, telling bullies to stop (if it’s safe) and getting help from adults.
If a child is being bullied, strategies like ignoring, assertiveness, using the buddy system and partnering with the school can help.

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A young girl with a backpack leans against a locker, looking sad and isolated, while a group of children talk together in the background. The image highlights feelings of loneliness and exclusion in a school setting.

Start Difficult Conversations About Race

You may be thinking, “What should I say to my kids about race and racism?” Get examples on what to say and actions you can take.

Three happy children playing outdoors in the sunlight, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The image captures joy and friendship in a natural setting.

Helping Kids Manage Emotions

Understanding and knowing how to cope with emotions is not something kids are born with! But we can help them manage their feelings and make thoughtful choices.

Resources for Working Parents

Parents spend a LOT of their work day thinking about their kids' mental health. It occupies a third to up to half of their time! Our resource, Bloom: Supporting You in Growing Kids' Mental Well-Being, helps workplaces provide parents with children's mental health materials.

Children's mental health is taking a toll on working parents. Watch an overview of our online workplace curriculum for working parents.

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Finding Help

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What to Expect at Counseling

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What to do While You Wait for an appointment

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Free Mental Health Resources

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Resources for Working Parents

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What to Expect at Counseling

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