Resources for Finding Mental Health Help

Finding a mental health provider can be really challenging. Here are tips on navigating the mental health care system.

• Finding a mental health professional for a child can be stressful
• Five suggestions of where to start looking
• Three ideas of questions to ask

• Your child’s connection with their therapist is key to successful treatment; see how to find someone who understands them.
• Learn how your family’s background and identity shape your child’s mental health needs, and why a culturally informed therapist can make all the difference.
• Get steps on how to research, evaluate and choose a therapist who respects your child’s identity and delivers evidence-based care.

Who are all of the mental health professionals treating my child? What’s the difference between psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists and counselors?

• There are many types of mental health professionals
• Some focus on providing therapy while others prescribe medication.
• Learn about the different kinds of providers your child may see.

Kids develop at different rates but there are milestones and things to look for. If you’re concerned your child may be falling behind, what should you do?

• Every child is different and develops at their own pace
• Milestones include communication, cognition, motor skills and social/emotional skills
• Concerned? Find out if there is an issue and what to do about it

What are children’s psychiatrists and what do they do? How often will your child need to see a psychiatrist?

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions
• They have training in the biological, psychological and social factors that affect mental health
• Mental health conditions may in part be caused by problems with the function of certain brain circuits
• Psychiatrists study how medications may help those circuits or parts of the brain function more normally and are experts in prescribing medications for mental health conditions
• Children on medication will need to see their psychiatrist regularly

Behavioral and mental health symptoms in children are often treated with evidence-based therapies. Evidence-based therapies or treatments are those that have been studied and found to be effective to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and their families.

Waiting to start mental health therapy while a child is experiencing difficulties is tough on the family and the child. You can show your support and care through continued conversations with your child.

It is up to you to decide who you want to share information with when it comes to your child’s mental health and therapy. You might share with your child’s pediatrician, with their school, or with trusted family and friends.

Did you know that some mental health therapies are all about teaching children skills to cope and manage strong emotions or difficult situations?

Scheduling an appointment for your child to see a mental health therapist is an important first step. While you wait for your first appointment, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your child to start treatment.

Feeling nervous about working with a mental health provider for the first time? We're here to help! To help ease any nerves, here's a step-by-step video guide of what you and your family can expect.

• What should you do before therapy begins
• What will happen at your child’s first mental health therapy appointment
• How can you talk with a therapist about goals
• How will the therapist decide on the type and frequency of treatment

Taking time to care for yourself allows you to be mentally and physically prepared to care for your child. You will also model healthy habits for your child; we know this is one of the best ways to help children learn to cope with their own difficult moments.

There can be lots of different emotions when your child receives a mental health diagnosis. Here are steps to take to help create a plan of action for your child and family after receiving a diagnosis.