Are you wondering about mental health support for your child/adolescent? Click on a video. English Cantonese Farsi Khmer Korean Russian Spanish Tagalog Vietnamese
Strong parental engagement is at the core of all children’s wellbeing. The information below is meant to provide parents with a better understanding of mental health for their children. Click the age group that applies to your child(ren) below:
Early Childhood (Birth – 5 years old)
Children (6 years old – 12 years old)
Adolescents (13 years old – 21 years old)
Early Childhood (Birth to 5 years old)
It is a common misconception that young children do not experience mental health symptoms because they are too young to remember or know. Young children respond to and process experiences in ways that are different from adolescents/adults.
When young children experience stress and trauma, it can affect developmental milestones (e.g., talking, walking, potty trainings, etc.), learning and school readiness. In fact, children as young as infants and toddlers can show signs of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other mental health symptoms.
As a parent, you may be wondering what signs to look for or how best to support your young child. Here is some information on young children’s mental health:
ASK for HELP! If your child is experiencing mental health symptoms or you would like to find out more about services, click here.
Resources
LACDMH Help Line 1-800-854-7771 serves as the central contact for mental health services within the LACDMH provider network.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on children’s mental health.
CDC Positive Parenting Tips provides information on developmental milestones for young children and tips to incorporate Positive Parenting.
LACOE Early Learning offers programs in early learning such as:
- Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program (IECE): provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers from Birth to age 3 who may have a developmental delay or disability.
- Head Start: helps support children ages 3 to 5, in learning and social skills to prepare them for school. In addition to teaching kids in the classroom, Head Start offers support and services for the entire family.
Children (6 years old to 12 years old)
Every child is different and experiences things differently. Stay alert to any significant changes specific to your child. Some common signs and symptoms of mental health include anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal thoughts and trauma.
As a parent, you may be wondering what signs to look for or how best to support your child. Here is some information about children’s mental health:
- Children’s Mental Health (English / Español)
- Creating a Safe Emotional Space to Talk for Children (English / Español)
ASK for HELP! If your child is experiencing mental health symptoms or you would like to find out more about services, click here.
Resources
LACDMH Help Line 1-800-854-7771 serves as the central contact for mental health services within the LACDMH provider network.
How Culture & Belonging Relate to Mental Health
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or via their online chat. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. (Learn more about the 988 Lifeline here.)
LAUSD Parent Resources on Mental Health provides updated information on mental health information and resources as well as links to the LAUSD Wellness Center and Crisis Counseling and Intervention services.
LACOE Student Services provides information and links to programs and services available to students, including specialized mental health services available to students.
CDC Positive Parenting Tips with Children provides information on developmental milestones for children and tips to incorporate Positive Parenting.
Adolescents (13 years old to 21 years old)
Adolescence is typically a difficult period of time, there are hormonal, and mood changes that teens experience as a normal part of their development. If you notice significant changes in their mood or behavior that are concerning this may be a reason for you to begin looking for support.
Mental health conditions are common among teens. The National Alliance for Mental Illness reports 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. Mental Health affects your teen’s life at home, school, with family and friends, as well as their overall health.
As a parent, you may be wondering what signs to look for or how best to support your teen. Here are some tip sheets around mental health topics and how to provide support:
- Teen Mental Health (English / Español)
- Suicide Awareness (English / Español)
- Body Image (English / Español)
- Know the Signs of Psychosis (English / Español)
- Cyberbullying (English / Español)
- Creating a Safe Emotional Space to Talk for Teens (English / Español)
ASK for HELP! If your teen is experiencing mental health symptoms or you would like to find out more about services, click here.
Resources
LACDMH Help Line 1-800-854-7771 serves as the central contact for mental health services within the LACDMH provider network.
How Culture & Belonging Relate to Mental Health
iPrevail is a free online tool for mental health support for students. This platform allows for students to create a customized support program through self-guided lessons, one-on-one chats, and support groups.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or via their online chat. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or use their online chat. (Learn more about the 988 Lifeline here.)
LAUSD Parent Resources on Mental Health provides updated information on mental health information and resources as well as links to the LAUSD Wellness Center and Crisis Counseling and Intervention services.
LACOE Student Services provides information and links to programs and services available to students, including specialized mental health services available to students.
CDC Positive Parenting Tips with Teens provides information on developmental milestones for teenagers and tips to incorporate Positive Parenting.
National Alliance on Mental Illness When a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. With the unique understanding of people with lived experience, NAMI programs and support groups provide free education, skills training and support.
Contact their HelpLine Monday – Friday (10am-10pm ET) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Or text “Helpline” to 62640