Featured Resources
Art as a Therapeutic Tool
Youth at our agencies often engage in art projects as part of treatment, education, or recreation while in our care. Here are some inspiring pieces created by our talented youth.
Poetry Slam
From acrostic to free verse, a variety of poetic styles help us explore our feelings with freedom and confidence.
Daily Reflection
Use this sheet to check in on yourself and reflect on the things that support your mental health and well-being each day.Additional Resources
When Does Your Child Need Professional Mental Health Care
It’s safe to say that adolescents experience a wide range of emotions and behaviors. So how do you know when those emotions or behaviors have strayed beyond the range of “normal”? Just what is considered “normal” behavior? And, more importantly, how can a parent know when a child’s emotions or behaviors require attention by a mental health professional? These aren’t easy questions, and there aren’t any one-size-fits-all answers. However, there are some guidelines that can help you decide when it’s time to seek help.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help Your Child
Chances are, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of your child's treatment, but what exactly is CBT and what does it mean for your child? CBT is a common form of treatment that focuses on examining the relationship between your child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps youth become aware of their inaccurate or negative thinking so they can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a healthier, more effective way.
A Parent's Shame
The sad truth is that parents of children with mental health issues often do not receive the emotional support they need from family and friends. In fact, the phone may fall silent, invitations may disappear, and conversation can become trivial. It's possible friends or family may even attack you with implied or outright blame for your child's emotional or behavioral problems.
Mental Health Issues & Problems at School
Mental health issues in youth and teens often present themselves as difficulties in school, and, if left untreated, can result in school drop out. The U.S. Department of Education reports that approximately 50% of students, ages 14 and older, with mental health problems, eventually drop out of high school.
When to Worry about Worry
Anxiety can be present in your child’s life in a multitude of ways: preparing for a test, learning to drive, etc. , so it can be difficult to distinguish whether your child’s anxiety is normal part of growing up and having more responsibilities, or if it’s becoming a serious struggle.
Welcoming A New Friend
When a child struggles with socializing, branching out into their school community, stress, and anxiety, it can be hard to know what can help. Recent studies show that a furry friend may be just the right thing. Whether they walk on four legs with a silky coat, fly around on colorful wings, or run on a wheel with tiny feet, welcoming a new friend to the family can make a child come out of their shell.
Reaching Out for a Helping Hand
As a parent, you want what is best for your children, and you will always put their needs before your own, but that can be difficult when you’re trying to manage your own “high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
I Had A Black Dog…
Dealing with negative emotions is a learned exercise, one that needs to be practiced. The video “I had a black dog, his name was depression” allows children to learn about mental illness is an easy and low-stress setting. “Just like a real dog, it needs to be embraced, understood, taught new tricks, and ultimately brought to heel.”3 The video opens up the world of mental health for them in a way that is accessible. It can be a visual aid in understanding that they are not alone in feeling this way and that it does get better with help.
