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Crisis Info
Sign Up for Emails- Many immigrant children live with constant stress because of discrimination or language barriers. There is now the added fear that their family could be separated, which increases the risk of mental health challenges.
- This stress can show up in physical symptoms, changes in behavior, trouble in school, or worries about safety, even when kids aren’t talking about it.
- Caring adults can help by keeping routines steady, checking in with kids about their feelings, creating a plan in case of separation, affirming their culture, limiting stressful media and making sure kids know who they can turn to for support.
Resources for Minority Mental Health
Historically underrepresented communities often face additional stressors that we know impact children’s mental health.
Whether you are from a racially or ethnically diverse background or someone looking to be an ally, these resources give you the tools to talk to children about race, immigration, discrimination, inclusivity, and ways to support diverse children’s mental health.
We know, now more than ever, this is an important conversation to have. And one we need to continue.
Related Articles
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Supporting Immigrant Children’s Mental Health During Community Violence
Elena Camacho, MSW, LSW; Ariana Hoet, PhD
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How to Teach Kids About Microaggressions
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The Kids Mental Health Foundation has tips for parents and teachers to teach kids about microaggressions; every day subtle, intentional or unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.
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Protecting Kids Against Racism
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Unfortunately, children are often excluded, bullied, treated unfairly, or discriminated against because of their racial or ethnic background. That’s why it is important to help children develop a strong identity that embraces your family’s ethnicity and culture.
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Nurturing Resilience: How Latine Values Support Kids’ Mental Health
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- Latine cultural values like Familismo, Personalismo, and spirituality act as powerful protective factors that support mental wellness and resilience.
- Teaching acceptance-based coping and modeling faith-driven resilience, among others, empowers Latine youth to manage stress and uncertainty with strength and hope.
- Parents and caregivers can nurture mental health by celebrating traditions, building strong family bonds and encouraging community involvement, helping children feel connected and confident.
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How to Find a Culturally Informed Therapist
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- 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.
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Obstacles Latine Children Face and How to Help
Ariana Hoet, PhD (she/her/hers), Lorena Asadi, LISW-S (she/they) and Vivian Herrera (she/her/hers)
Latine children show higher rates of mental illness and suicidal thoughts than other children their age. We help you understand why they are more likely to be impacted and how parents and caregivers can help.
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Tips for Self-Care for Black Families
Whitney Raglin Bignall, PhD and Jacquelyn Doxie-King, PhD
Racism places a tremendous burden on all Americans, but especially Black Americans who are disproportionately affected by unequal systems in our society. For adults and especially children, it is important to find ways to cope with this burden.
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Kids and Race-Related Violence
The Kids Mental Health Foundation Behavioral Health Experts
Learn how your children might respond to these events based on their age group as well as the best ways to offer support and guidance.
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Talking to Kids About Racism
Whitney Raglin Bignall, PhD and Jacquelyn Doxie-King, PhD
If you are unsure how to start the conversation with your kids, use these resources to help guide you – from setting an example to asking the right questions.
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Supporting Immigrant Children's Mental Health
Ariana Hoet, PhD (she/her/hers), Lorena Asadi, LISW-S (she/they) and Vivian Herrera (she/her/hers)
Children born in the US from immigrant parents, or those who arrived at an early age, actually show worse mental and physical health outcomes than those currently immigrating. This is called the immigrant paradox.
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How and Why AAPI Parents Can Check-In with Kids
Sapna Shetty, IMFT-S, and Camille Wilson, PhD
Data shows that AAPI parents are three times less likely to seek mental health counseling for their children than white parents. Our experts have resources to help AAPI parents talk to their children about their feelings.
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Reimagining Resilience and Celebrating Black Joy
C. Freeman, PsyD; R. Owens, MS, MPH; A. Watson, MA; N. White, MD; W. Raglin Bignall, PhD
- Celebrate the incredible stories and changes Black people have contributed to the world. Building kids’ cultural pride is good for their mental health.
- Learn how to build and acknowledge your child’s resilience in a healthy way during the celebration of Black History Month and all year long
- Recognize that having to be resilient all the time can be harmful and lead to burnout.
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Activity
Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees
Sapna Shetty, IMFT -S
You see it on the news all the time – a conflict, a war, a natural disaster. People fleeing their homes. It gets you thinking about refugees and immigrant resettlement. You may wonder how you can help make their transition to your community easier.
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Supporting AAPI Children Experiencing Discrimination
Sapna Shetty, IMFT-S, and Camille Wilson, PhD
Our experts help you have conversations with your child about their experiences and feelings, and help you help them work through racism, stereotypes and discrimination.
Videos
Activities
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