August 2026

Recommended Resources to Use While You're Waiting

Whitney Raglin Bignall, PhD, and Will Leever, PsyD

Article Summary

If you’re on a wait list for mental health services, we have some trusted books, apps and websites that can help you support your child.
Many of these materials may be available for free at a library.

The demand for mental health care for children keeps growing, leaving many families stuck on long waitlists for professional help. The wait can last for months and leave parents and caregivers feeling discouraged and unsure of how to support their child.

Parents and caregivers can take steps to help manage their children’s symptoms while waiting for therapy to begin. The mental health experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital compiled a list of trusted books, apps and websites to empower you to start making an impact at home while waiting for treatment.

Many materials may be available for free at your local public library.

*Resources designed to help with behavior concerns are written will be mostly for the parent/caregivers to give them the additional tools to implement with the child(ren).

**Prices are subject to change.

Behavior Management

If your child is struggling with misbehavior (not listening, defiant, temper tantrums or impulsivity) these resources can help you guide your children at home.

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
2-4	Website - articles - videos - activities	Parent/Caregiver	Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers \|CDC	Free
5-12	Book with practical tools	Parent/Caregiver	Book: Your Defiant Child: Eight Steps to Better Behavior	$20
3-8	Workbook - information - tools	Parent/Caregiver	The Incredible Years: A Trouble Shooting Guide for Parents of Children	$30
All ages	Book and website with information	Parent/Caregiver	Website: ADHD: What Every Parents Needs to Know Paperback Book	Free $17
12+	App - information activities - coaching	Parent/Caregiver	Attend the Behavior	Monthly fee
11-14	Website - articles - videos - activities	Parent/Caregiver	Essentials for Parenting Teens \| CDC	Free
13+	Book with practical tools	Parent/Caregiver	Your Defiant Teen: Second Edition: 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Rebuild Your Relationship	$20

Emotional Management

Helping children understand anger, other big emotions, anxiety and sadness/depression. Here are tools to get started:

Anger

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
All ages	Worksheets	Child with caregiver support	Therapist Aid Worksheets on Anger	Free
6-10	Self-help book for kids	Child with caregiver note included	What to Do When Your Temper Flares	$17

Coping with Big Emotions

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
12+	App	Teens and parents	How We Feel	Free
8-12	Workbook	Child with support from caregiver	Mindfulness Workbook for Kids	$10-$22
7-11	Workbook	Child with support from caregiver	ADHD Workbook for Kids	$19

Anxiety

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
Older Teens	Website with information and worksheets	Parents and teens	Caring for Yourself - Anxiety	Free
5-11	Workbook	Child with support from caregiver	Mighty Moe	Free
6-10	Book for kids	Child with support from caregiver	What to Do When You Worry too Much	$17
6-10	Workbook	Child with support from caregiver	CBT Workbook for Kids	$8-26
Kids and Teens	Workbook	Child and parents	Anxiety Coach	$15
13+	Workbook	Teenagers and young adults	Anxiety Relief for Teens	$19

Anxiety and Depression

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
13 and up	Workbook	Teens	The Anxiety and Depression Workbook for Teens	$20

Depression

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
6-13	Workbook	Child with support from caregiver	Think Good, Feel Good	$26
13+	Workbook	Teenagers	The Depression Workbook for Teens	$12
12+	App	Teens and parents	Mood Tools	Free

Trauma and Grief

If your child has experienced a negative life event or a significant loss, below are resources you may find helpful.

Age group	Type of resource	Who is it for?	Link to resource	Cost**
5-9	Picture Book	Child with support from caregiver	A Terrible Thing Happened	$8-$16
4+	Book and Workbook	Child with support from caregiver or counselor	The Invisible String book and The Invisible String Workbook	$6-$10
2-7	Website	Child with caregiver support	Sesame Street – Grief materials	Free
All ages	Website	Child with caregiver support	Dougy Center - Grief	Free

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Next Steps After a Mental Health Diagnosis

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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.

Recommended Resources to Use While You're Waiting

Article Summary

Behavior Management