How to Help a Child or Adolescent with Mental Health

Choosing the right words can be tough. The approach will depend on your relationship as well as the child’s personality.

Here are some tips to help you talk to and support them.

Starting the conversation

• Look for opportunities to open a supportive discussion.
• Tell them you care about them.
• Focus on being a good listener.
• Reflect, summarize, and ask questions to make sure you understand what is being said.
• Let them know their experiences and feelings are valid.
• Avoid making critical or judgmental remarks.
• Let them know that treatment is effective and available.
• If you are a child or teen, identify a trusted person and be honest about how you feel. Tell them what you think would help, including finding a therapist for assessment and treatment.
• Identify people who can provide immediate help. Save emergency contact numbers for a relative, trusted friend, non-emergency police line, the Crisis Text Line (741741), and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).
  

Helpful resources

Virtual therapy options

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