Parent & Caregiver Youth Mental Health Resources
If you are in crisis call 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) or 988 or text 741 741
Supporting Your Child's Mental Health
Your child's mental health is an important part of their overall well-being. You don't have to wait until there is a serious problem to start supporting it. Small, everyday actions - like listening, staying connected and building healthy routines - can make a difference.
EXPLORE TOPICS THAT MATTER
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Concerned About Your Child?
A parent may notice when something just doesn't seem right. Learn how to recognize when changes in your child's mood, behavior, or daily life may be a sign they need additional support.
Signs Youth May Be Struggling
Children and teens don't always say when something is wrong. Learn about changes in mood, behavior, relationships, physical health, and school performance that may signal a young person is having a difficult time.
How to Talk to Your Child
Starting a conversation about mental health doesn't have to be perfect. Explore practical ways to listen, ask questions, validate feelings, and create an environment where your child feels safe talking to you.
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention
Seek Help Right Away If Your Child or Teen is:
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Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
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Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
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Saying they feel like a burden to others
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Looking for ways to harm themselves
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Giving away valued possessions or saying goodbye
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Engaging in self-harm or increasingly risky behavior
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Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
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Showing dramatic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
If You Are Concerned
TAKE ALL TALK OF SUICIDE SERIOUSLY
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Stay calm and listen without judgment.
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Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide.
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Do not leave them alone if there is an immediate safety concern.
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Remove or secure potentially dangerous items if needed.
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Reach out to professional help right away.
Crisis Resources
Call or Text 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide.
Emergency Situations
If your child has attempted suicide, is at immediate risk of harming themselves, or you believe their safety is in danger:
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Call 911
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Go to the nearest emergency room
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Contact local emergency services
Remember
Talking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide. In fact, asking a young person directly and compassionately about their thoughts and feelings can open the door to support, hope, and safety.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
Many young people experience emotional pain, stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness. While most youth who struggle with mental health challenges are not thinking about suicide, it is important to recognize warning signs and know how to respond when concerns arise.
Local Resources
Finding the right support can make a difference. Explore local resources that can help you and your child find information, guidance, and connections to care.
Family Resource Center
The mission of Family Resource Center is to provide specialized behavioral health services to individuals, children and families in our multi-cultural communities in order to strengthen family life and promote personal growth.
Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS)
MRSS provides immediate, community-based support for children, teens, and young adults experiencing a mental, emotional, or behavioral health crisis. In Allen County, Coleman Health Services provides MRSS and can connect with youth and families during a crisis, with support focused on safety, stabilization, and connecting families with ongoing resources. To access MRSS, call 988 and ask for MRSS, or contact the Crisis HOPEline at 1-800-567-HOPE (4673).
SAFY
Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) of America is a leading national nonprofit organization providing a full continuum of services for youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
The A.C.C.E.S.S. Center
The Allen County Community Engagement and Specialized Services (A.C.C.E.S.S.) Center is a community based resource for youth, families, schools and other community agencies.
Coleman Health Services
Coleman Health Services of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties (AAH) provides behavioral health services to adults. Our experienced and licensed staff serves individuals who are in a crisis, seeking assistance for an emotional or behavioral problem, have severe and persistent mental illness, and/or have substance abuse issues.