How do I know if my child is just going through a phase or if they need professional help?

The clearest indicators that a child needs professional evaluation rather than watchful waiting are duration, intensity, and functional impairment. Normal developmental challenges and reactions to stressors typically resolve within a few weeks, do not prevent the child from functioning in school and social settings, and do not involve expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or self-harm. If your child's symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, are significantly affecting their school performance, friendships, or family relationships, or include any of the warning signs listed above, professional evaluation is warranted. The cost of getting an evaluation that confirms your child is doing fine is small compared to the cost of missing a treatable condition during a critical developmental window. When in doubt, get it checked.

My child refuses to see a therapist. What do I do?

Adolescent resistance to therapy is extremely common and does not mean therapy is impossible -- it means the approach needs adjustment. First, involve your child in the process: let them have some input on which therapist they see, let them read therapist bios and choose who they prefer, and frame it as a place where they can talk about whatever they want rather than where you send your problems to be fixed. Some teenagers respond better when therapy is framed around a specific goal -- 'helping you deal with the stress of junior year' -- rather than a diagnosis. If your child remains resistant, you can start with a pediatrician visit (which feels less stigmatized) and let the pediatrician have the mental health conversation. For severe cases, family therapy where the whole family attends can reduce the stigma of being 'the problem child.' A short-term goal is to get your child to attend even one or two sessions -- most young people who attend even once develop a more positive view of the process when they meet the right therapist.

Should I consider medication for my child, and at what age is it appropriate?

Medication is appropriate for some children and adolescents with moderate to severe mental health conditions, particularly when symptoms are significantly impairing function and evidence-based therapy has been tried without adequate improvement. SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) are FDA-approved for pediatric depression and OCD in children as young as 7-8 years old and have decades of safety data. Stimulant medications for ADHD have been used safely in children as young as 6. The decision to use medication should involve a child psychiatrist or pediatrician experienced in psychopharmacology, should come with a clear explanation of the expected benefits and potential side effects, and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy -- not a substitute for it. The FDA does include a black box warning on antidepressants noting a small increased risk of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents, which requires careful monitoring, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment.

What if I cannot afford therapy for my child?

There are several options when cost is a barrier. Community mental health centers, which exist in most counties, provide services on a sliding scale based on income, often at little or no cost. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are required by law to provide mental health services regardless of ability to pay. University and graduate school training clinics provide supervised therapy at significantly reduced cost -- $20-$50 per session. Open Path Collective is a network of therapists providing reduced-rate sessions ($30-$80) for clients with financial need. Your child's school-based counselor and school psychologist can provide mental health support at no cost during the school day. Most community hospitals also have psychiatric programs with sliding-scale fees. If you have any insurance -- including Medicaid -- the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that mental health coverage be comparable to physical health coverage, and you can file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner if coverage is being denied inappropriately.

My child was hospitalized for a mental health crisis. What happens after discharge, and how do I prevent another crisis?

Post-hospitalization is one of the highest-risk periods for children and adolescents with mental health conditions -- research shows that relapse and crisis recurrence are most common in the 30 to 90 days immediately following discharge. Before your child leaves the hospital, make sure you have: a follow-up appointment scheduled within one to two weeks with an outpatient psychiatrist (not just the pediatrician), a clear medication plan with instructions, a written safety plan that your child has participated in creating, and instructions for what to do if warning signs recur. At home, reduce environmental stressors where possible, implement the safety plan (which may include removing access to means), ensure medications are administered consistently, and stay in close contact with the school about a graduated reintegration plan. If follow-up appointments are not available within two weeks, contact the discharging hospital and explain the urgency -- they often have resources or connections to expedite outpatient follow-up for recently discharged patients.

How do I talk to my other children about what is happening with their sibling?

Siblings of children in mental health crisis are often the forgotten family members -- they witness frightening events, pick up on parental stress, and may feel confused, scared, guilty, or resentful without any framework for understanding what is happening. Age-appropriate honesty is the right approach. For young children, 'Your sister's brain is having a hard time right now, and we are getting her some help -- it is not your fault and it is not contagious' is both honest and reassuring. For older children and teenagers, more detail is appropriate: 'Your brother is struggling with depression, which means his brain chemistry is making it hard for him to feel okay. We are working with doctors to help him.' Emphasize that mental illness is a medical condition, not a choice or a character flaw, and that the family is getting help. If a sibling is showing signs of distress themselves -- which is common -- offer them their own support, including therapy if needed.

Act Nowhealth

Your Child Is Struggling with Mental Health

You noticed something is wrong. Here is exactly what to do next.

What Is Happening

The Situation

You have noticed something different about your child -- a withdrawal from friends and family, a sudden drop in grades, changes in eating or sleeping, expressions of hopelessness, or behavior that seems out of character and alarming. Whether it came on gradually or suddenly, you have reached the point where you know this is more than a rough patch, and you are not sure what to do first.

Why It Matters

Mental health conditions affect approximately one in five children and adolescents, and they are among the leading causes of disability in young people worldwide. Left untreated, childhood and adolescent mental health conditions disrupt development, academic achievement, and the formation of healthy relationships -- and significantly increase the risk of mental health challenges in adulthood. Early, appropriate intervention produces dramatically better long-term outcomes than waiting until a crisis forces action.

Common Triggers

A child expressing hopelessness, worthlessness, or that they wish they were not alive
Sudden withdrawal from friends, activities, and family that used to bring joy
Dramatic changes in school performance, attendance, or behavior
Discovery of self-harm marks, substance use, or concerning social media activity
A major life stressor -- divorce, bullying, academic pressure, loss of a loved one, or a traumatic event
A teacher, school counselor, or another parent expressing concern about your child

Your Action Plan

Assess Immediate Safety First

Before anything else, you need to know whether your child is safe right now. If your child has expressed thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming others, or if you have found evidence of self-harm, this is an emergency that requires immediate action -- not a scheduled appointment. Ask your child directly and calmly: 'Are you thinking about hurting yourself?' Research consistently shows that asking this question does not plant the idea -- it opens the door to honest conversation and can be lifesaving.

ImmediatelyThe mental health copilot can guide you through an immediate safety assessment conversation with your child and help you understand the difference between passive ideation ('I wish I weren't here') and active planning ('I have thought about how I would do it'), which determines the level of urgency.

Have a Calm, Non-Judgmental Conversation

Choose a quiet moment -- not immediately after an incident or argument -- and approach your child with curiosity rather than alarm. Use open-ended questions: 'I've noticed you seem really tired lately -- can you tell me what's been going on?' Avoid minimizing ('plenty of kids feel that way') or problem-solving immediately. Your first goal is simply to listen and let your child know you are not frightened or angry, and that you are on their side. Even if your child does not open up fully the first time, the conversation plants the seed that it is safe to talk to you.

Day 1The mental health copilot can help you script age-appropriate opening conversations for children at different developmental stages -- from young children who may not have language for their feelings to teenagers who are likely to shut down if they feel interrogated.

Contact Your Child's Pediatrician

Your child's pediatrician is the appropriate first clinical contact and can conduct an initial mental health screening, rule out any physical causes for behavioral changes (thyroid issues, anemia, and other conditions can cause symptoms that look like depression or anxiety), provide referrals to mental health specialists, and if needed, prescribe initial medication while you wait for a psychiatrist appointment. Call the office and be direct: 'I am concerned about my child's mental health and need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.'

Day 1-3The health advisor copilot can help you prepare a clear summary of the symptoms and behaviors you have observed, including when they started and how they have changed over time, so the pediatrician appointment is as productive as possible.

Find the Right Mental Health Professional

The right type of clinician depends on your child's age, diagnosis, and symptom severity. Child psychologists (PhD or PsyD) provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication. Child psychiatrists (MD) provide medication management and sometimes therapy. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) provide therapy and are often more available with shorter waitlists. For children under 10, look specifically for a therapist trained in play therapy or child-parent psychotherapy. For adolescents, look for someone who specializes in teen mental health and uses evidence-based modalities like CBT or DBT.

Week 1-3The mental health copilot can explain the difference between types of mental health providers, help you understand which credentials to look for based on your child's specific presentation, and guide you on what questions to ask during an initial consultation to evaluate fit.

Navigate Insurance and Waitlists Strategically

Mental health waitlists for children can be long -- 6 to 12 weeks is common, and longer in rural or underserved areas. While waiting, put your child on multiple waitlists simultaneously. Ask to be put on a cancellation list. Contact your insurance company and request their process for 'urgent referrals' if your child's situation warrants faster access. Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and university training clinics often have shorter waitlists and sliding-scale fees. School-based mental health services may also be available immediately.

Week 1-4The mental health copilot can walk you through how to call your insurance company to request an urgent mental health referral, what specific phrases and criteria to mention, and how to escalate if you are told there are no in-network providers available.

Contact Your Child's School

Schools are required to provide mental health support under IDEA and Section 504, and a school counselor can provide immediate support while you are waiting for an outside therapist. Request a meeting with the school counselor and, if needed, with the school psychologist. If your child's mental health condition is significantly affecting their education, you can request a formal evaluation for a 504 Plan (accommodations) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that includes mental health supports. This is a legal right, not a favor the school is doing for you.

Week 1-2The education copilot can explain the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP for mental health conditions, help you understand what to request at a school meeting, and explain what documentation you may need to provide to support an accommodation request.

Take Care of Yourself in Parallel

Parenting a child through a mental health crisis is genuinely one of the most frightening and draining experiences a parent can have. Your own mental health, your relationship with your partner, and your stability as a caregiver directly affect your child's recovery. Seek your own support -- whether through a therapist, a support group for parents of children with mental health challenges (like NAMI's Family Support Group), or trusted family and friends. A parent who is supported is far more effective than a parent who is running on empty.

OngoingThe mental health copilot can help you identify parent support groups, find therapists who specialize in supporting parents of children with mental health conditions, and explain what to expect emotionally from the experience of supporting a child through mental health treatment.

Build a Coordinated Care Team

Effective child mental health treatment works best when the therapist, prescribing physician, school, and parents are all communicating and working from the same plan. With your child's appropriate consent (especially for older adolescents), make sure your child's providers can communicate with each other and with school staff. Ask at each appointment: 'Is there anything I should share with the school counselor or the pediatrician?' Fragmented care -- where providers do not know what the others are doing -- is one of the most common reasons children with mental health conditions do not improve as quickly as they should.

Month 1-3The health advisor copilot can help you create a simple care coordination document summarizing your child's diagnosis, current treatment, providers, and contact information that you can share with each member of the care team to facilitate communication.

Key Questions to Ask

What specific diagnosis are we working with, and what does the evidence say about treatment?

Many children receive vague labels like 'anxiety' or 'behavioral issues' without a specific, operational diagnosis tied to a treatment plan with known outcomes. A specific diagnosis -- generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, ADHD with anxiety, or emerging borderline personality disorder -- points to specific treatments with established evidence. Without a clear diagnosis, treatment is based on guesswork rather than clinical evidence, and it is much harder to evaluate whether an approach is working.

How Copilotly Helps

The mental health copilot can explain the diagnostic criteria for common childhood and adolescent mental health conditions, help you evaluate whether the symptoms you are observing match a specific diagnosis, and summarize the evidence-based treatments for that condition so you can have an informed conversation with your child's clinician.

What therapy modality will you use, and why is it appropriate for my child?

Not all therapy is equally effective for all conditions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the gold standard for adolescents with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and borderline features. Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) is the recommended approach for children who have experienced trauma. A therapist who simply 'talks to your child' without a structured, evidence-based framework is providing support, which has value, but is not the same as delivering an effective clinical treatment.

How Copilotly Helps

The mental health copilot can explain the specific evidence-based therapy modalities recommended for your child's diagnosis and age group, so you can ask prospective therapists what modality they use and evaluate whether their approach matches the clinical evidence.

Should we consider medication, and if so, who should be prescribing it?

Medication can be an important part of treatment for moderate to severe childhood and adolescent mental health conditions. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have FDA approval for pediatric depression and anxiety. Stimulant medications for ADHD have decades of safety and efficacy data. The question is not whether to consider medication -- it is whether the severity and impact of your child's condition makes the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and whether medication is being used as a complement to therapy or as a substitute for it. Medication works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How Copilotly Helps

The medication copilot can explain the medications commonly used for pediatric mental health conditions, their mechanisms, the evidence for their effectiveness in children, and the monitoring that is typically recommended, so you can have an informed, specific conversation with the prescribing physician.

How will we know if treatment is working, and over what timeframe?

Mental health treatment in children should include regular, structured reassessment using validated tools -- not just a therapist's subjective impression. Standardized questionnaires like the PHQ-A (depression), SCARED (anxiety), and CGAS (global functioning) provide objective data on whether symptoms are improving, staying the same, or worsening. Establishing clear benchmarks upfront -- 'we would expect to see measurable improvement within eight to twelve weeks' -- creates accountability and prevents drift in treatment that provides comfort but not recovery.

How Copilotly Helps

The mental health copilot can explain the validated assessment tools commonly used for pediatric mental health, what improvement on each tool looks like, and how to discuss outcome monitoring with your child's therapist to ensure treatment progress is being tracked objectively.

What should I do at home to support my child's treatment?

Research consistently shows that parental involvement dramatically improves outcomes in child mental health treatment. Parents who understand their child's condition, who can implement behavioral strategies at home, and who know how to respond to symptoms without inadvertently reinforcing avoidance behaviors produce significantly better outcomes than parents who leave all the work to the therapist. Your child's therapist should be actively involving you in the treatment plan, not just seeing your child in isolation.

How Copilotly Helps

The mental health copilot can explain specific parenting strategies that are evidence-based for your child's condition -- for example, exposure hierarchies for anxiety, behavioral activation for depression, or co-regulation techniques for emotional dysregulation -- so you can actively support treatment at home.

When to See a Professional

Definitely Hire a Pro

Your child has expressed suicidal thoughts, made a plan, or engaged in self-harm
Your child has stopped eating, has lost significant weight, or has symptoms consistent with an eating disorder
Your child is experiencing psychotic symptoms -- hearing voices, seeing things, or expressing beliefs that are clearly disconnected from reality
Your child's functioning has deteriorated so severely they cannot attend school or perform basic daily activities
You have found evidence of serious substance use combined with depressive or anxious symptoms

Probably Worth It

Your child's sadness, anxiety, or behavioral difficulties have lasted more than two weeks and are affecting school performance
Your child has been bullied significantly and you are concerned about the psychological impact
Your family has experienced a major stressor (divorce, death, relocation, trauma) and your child is not bouncing back
Your child's pediatrician has raised concerns about mental health at a wellness visit
You have a family history of mental illness and your child is showing early symptoms

You Can Likely Handle It

Your child is having a normal developmental reaction to a specific stressor that has since resolved
Temporary mood changes that are clearly tied to a predictable source (exam stress, a social conflict) and return to baseline
Normal adolescent moodiness without functional impairment or the specific warning signs listed above
A child who is introvert and socially selective but not distressed and functioning well
Grief following a loss that is progressing normally through expected stages without signs of complicated grief

Key Facts

Average Lawyer Cost

Child therapist: $100-$250 per session out-of-pocket; with insurance, $20-$60 copay per session; child psychiatrist: $300-$500 for initial evaluation, $150-$250 for follow-up; community mental health centers: sliding scale $0-$50 per session

Typical Timeline

Waitlist for child therapist: 4-12 weeks (longer in rural areas); initial improvement with CBT: 8-16 sessions; full course of treatment for moderate conditions: 4-12 months

Resolution Rate

Approximately 60-70% of children with anxiety disorders achieve significant symptom reduction with CBT; 50-60% of adolescents with depression respond to a combination of therapy and medication; early intervention is associated with 40% better long-term outcomes

Relevant Law

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurance to cover mental health at parity with physical health; IDEA and Section 504 require schools to provide mental health accommodations; HIPAA protects minors' confidentiality with specific exceptions for safety

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Versus Urgent Action

Not every sign of child mental health difficulty requires the same response, and knowing the difference between what is immediately dangerous and what is urgently concerning -- but not an emergency -- helps you respond proportionately and effectively rather than from panic.

Immediate emergency situations: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your child has expressed a specific plan to kill themselves, has made an attempt, is in immediate danger, is experiencing a psychotic break (responding to things you cannot see or hear, making statements completely disconnected from reality), or is so behaviorally dysregulated that they are a danger to themselves or others. You can also call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) to speak with a trained crisis counselor who can help you assess the level of danger and guide your next steps. The National Institute of Mental Health's child and adolescent mental health resource page provides evidence-based information on symptoms and emergency thresholds.

Urgent warning signs requiring action within 24-48 hours: These include any expression of suicidal ideation without a specific plan, discovery of self-harm (cutting, burning, hitting), a sudden and severe change in behavior or personality, stopping eating or restricting food dramatically, expressions of complete hopelessness or worthlessness, or statements that others would be better off without them. These situations require you to call the pediatrician the same day, call a crisis line for guidance, or take your child to an urgent care or emergency psychiatric service if needed -- not wait weeks for a scheduled appointment.

Concerning patterns requiring evaluation within one to two weeks: Gradual withdrawal from friends and activities, persistent sadness or irritability lasting more than two weeks, significant drop in grades or school avoidance, changes in sleep or appetite not explained by a physical cause, and increasing anxiety that is preventing normal activities. These warrant a pediatrician visit and mental health referral, but they are not emergencies. Parents navigating related stressors should also review our guide for parents going through divorce, as family disruption is one of the most common triggers for child mental health challenges. See also our resources for parents using AI support tools.

The mental health copilot can help you evaluate the severity of what you are observing, distinguish between normal developmental challenges and clinical warning signs, and determine the appropriate level of urgency for your specific situation.

Visual diagram categorizing child mental health warning signs into three urgency tiers: immediate emergency (911 or ER), urgent 24-48 hour response, and routine evaluation within two weeks -- with common examples in each tier

How to Talk to Your Child About Mental Health Without Making It Worse

Many parents delay talking to their child about mental health concerns because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing, planting ideas, or making the situation worse. The research is unequivocal: talking openly about mental health, including about suicide, does not increase risk -- it reduces it. The most dangerous thing you can do is avoid the conversation.

For younger children (ages 5-10): Use simple, concrete language. 'I've noticed you seem really sad a lot. Can you tell me what's happening in your brain or your body when you feel that way?' Young children often cannot distinguish emotional pain from physical pain, so asking 'where do you feel it?' can be surprisingly productive. Normalize help-seeking by framing therapy as something people do when they have big feelings that need extra support -- just like a doctor helps with big physical problems. Avoid telling young children to 'cheer up' or 'be grateful,' which communicates that their feelings are wrong rather than treatable.

For adolescents (ages 11-17): This is a developmental stage defined by the drive for autonomy and the fear of judgment. Coming in with advice, solutions, or comparisons to other children ('your cousin went through something similar and she was fine') will cause most teenagers to shut down. Start by asking, then listening completely before responding. Acknowledge that what they are experiencing sounds genuinely hard before offering any perspective. Be explicit that you are not there to punish them or change their mind -- you are there because you love them and you are worried. For teens who will not talk to you directly, consider writing them a letter, texting, or asking if there is another trusted adult -- a relative, school counselor, or therapist -- they would prefer to open up to.

What not to say: Avoid 'You have everything to be happy about,' 'Other kids have it so much harder,' 'This is just a phase,' 'I was depressed too and I just pushed through it,' or 'If you keep thinking like that, you'll make it come true.' These statements, however well-intentioned, communicate that the child's experience is illegitimate or that they should be able to control it with willpower. Instead, validate first: 'It sounds like you've been feeling really overwhelmed. I'm glad you told me. We're going to figure this out together.' The mental health copilot can help you prepare age-appropriate conversation guides and scripts for specific situations, including how to ask directly about suicidal thoughts in a way that opens dialogue rather than shutting it down.

Finding the Right Therapist for Your Child -- and What Makes a Good Fit

Finding a therapist for your child is not just about finding someone available -- fit, specialty, and approach matter enormously. A therapist who uses evidence-based modalities for your child's specific diagnosis will produce dramatically better outcomes than a warm, available generalist using an approach without evidence for your child's condition.

Where to search: Psychology Today's therapist finder (psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) allows you to filter by age group, specialty, insurance, and modality. The American Psychological Association's therapist locator (locator.apa.org) is another reliable resource. For specific conditions, specialty directories include the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org/find-help) for anxiety and OCD, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (istss.org) for trauma-specialized therapists. If cost is a barrier, Open Path Collective provides reduced-rate therapy from $30-$80 per session.

Questions to ask in an initial consultation: Every reputable therapist will offer a brief free phone consultation before scheduling an intake. Use it to ask: 'What is your primary therapy modality for children with [anxiety / depression / ADHD]?' 'Do you involve parents in treatment, and how?' 'How do you track whether treatment is working?' 'How many sessions does your typical course of treatment run?' A therapist who cannot answer these questions clearly, or who describes their approach as simply 'supportive' without any structured framework, may not be using evidence-based methods.

Red flags to watch for: Be cautious of therapists who discourage your involvement as a parent without explanation, who see your child for many months without any measurable progress or changes to the treatment plan, who use controversial or unvalidated techniques (conversion therapy, certain rebirthing techniques, unvalidated trauma treatments), or who seem to encourage your child to make major life decisions without appropriate clinical oversight. Therapy for children should show measurable improvement within a reasonable timeframe -- if it has been six months with no improvement, it is appropriate to ask for a review of the approach or to seek a second opinion. The mental health copilot can help you prepare an interview checklist for therapist consultations and explain what 'evidence-based' actually means for the specific conditions your child is presenting with.

How to Navigate School Support for Your Child's Mental Health

Schools are often the first place children show signs of mental health difficulties -- and they are also, under federal law, required to provide support for students whose educational performance is affected by a mental health condition. Knowing your rights and how to activate them is one of the most powerful tools in your parent toolkit.

Start with the school counselor. Every public school is required to have a school counselor, and they are often the most accessible mental health support available to your child during the school day. Contact the counselor, share what you have observed, and ask to set up a regular check-in schedule with your child. School counselors cannot provide therapy, but they can monitor, provide a safe space, help with academic accommodations, and flag escalating concerns to you quickly.

504 Plans vs. IEPs for mental health: A Section 504 Plan provides accommodations -- adjustments to the environment or how your child is taught -- without changing the curriculum or requiring specialized instruction. Common mental health accommodations include extended time on tests, preferential seating, reduced homework load during a crisis period, permission to leave class for a break, and access to a quiet space during overwhelm. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides more intensive support and is appropriate when a mental health condition requires specialized instruction or significant modifications to the educational program.

To request a 504 evaluation or IEP evaluation, put your request in writing to the school principal or special education coordinator. The school has 60 days to respond under federal law. Bring documentation from your child's mental health provider supporting the diagnosis and its impact on education. If the school denies your request, you have the right to appeal, and you can request an independent educational evaluation at the school's expense under IDEA.

Reintegration planning: If your child has been absent due to mental health hospitalization or a crisis, ask the school for a formal reintegration plan before they return. This should include reduced schedule initially if needed, a designated check-in person, a plan for catching up on missed work without overwhelming stress, and clear communication between the school, your child's clinician, and you about how to monitor the transition. The education copilot can help you understand your rights under IDEA and Section 504, draft a letter requesting an evaluation, and prepare for an IEP meeting.

Emergency Mental Health Resources for Children and Adolescents

If your child is in immediate danger, you need resources you can access right now -- not after a referral process. Here is what to know before you need it.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States. This is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there are trained counselors specifically for youth. You can call on behalf of your child, or your child can call or text directly. The Lifeline also provides a chat option at 988lifeline.org. Spanish-language support is available by pressing 2. The SAMHSA 988 resource page provides state-by-state information on mobile crisis teams and local mental health services.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. This is a text-based crisis service staffed by trained counselors and is particularly effective for teenagers who are more comfortable with text than phone calls. Available 24/7.

Psychiatric emergency rooms and mobile crisis teams: If your child is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room and tell them you are there for a psychiatric emergency. Many regions also have mobile crisis teams -- professionals who come to your home and provide on-site assessment and de-escalation -- which are often less traumatic for children than an ER visit. Call 988 and ask if mobile crisis services are available in your area.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): NAMI's helpline is available at nami.org/help or 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for parents who need guidance, referrals, and support navigating the mental health system. NAMI also offers free family education programs including Family-to-Family, which helps families understand mental illness and support their loved one. The mental health copilot can help you identify local crisis resources, community mental health centers, and emergency psychiatric services specific to your location and your child's age group. You may also find our guide to child mental health warning signs in 2026 and the scenario for managing ongoing health conditions useful as your child's situation stabilizes.