How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Watch for persistent changes in behavior, mood, or daily functioning. Key signs include withdrawal from activities, declining school performance, sleep changes, excessive worries, or difficulty managing emotions. If these issues affect your child's daily life for more than two weeks, consulting a child therapist can help provide professional guidance and support.

What types of therapy are effective for children?

Children respond well to several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy. These methods help children express feelings, develop coping skills, and improve emotional regulation in age-appropriate ways. ReachLink's licensed therapists customize these approaches to meet your child's specific needs.

What happens during a child's therapy session?

Therapy sessions are tailored to your child's age and needs. They typically include engaging activities, conversations, and skill-building exercises. Therapists use age-appropriate techniques like play, art, or discussion to help children express feelings and learn coping strategies. Parents are often involved in the process to support their child's progress.

How does online therapy work for children?

ReachLink's online therapy connects children with licensed child therapists through secure video sessions. These sessions take place in your home's familiar environment, making therapy more comfortable and accessible. Therapists use interactive digital tools and activities to engage children effectively, while maintaining the same quality of care as in-person sessions.

How can parents support their child's therapy journey?

Parents play a crucial role by maintaining open communication, participating in sessions when requested, and supporting therapeutic strategies at home. Create a consistent routine for therapy sessions, help practice coping skills, and maintain regular communication with your child's therapist about progress and concerns.

Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Awareness & Action Guide

August 6, 2025

Children's mental health affects over one in six U.S. youth, requiring parents and caregivers to actively support emotional well-being through consistent monitoring, early intervention, and professional therapeutic guidance when warning signs emerge.

Ever noticed subtle changes in your child's behavior and wondered how to help? Children's mental health affects more than just mood – it shapes their entire well-being. As parents, we can make a profound difference through awareness and daily support, and this guide shows you exactly how.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health: Awareness and Action Every Day

Mental health concerns affect children as well as adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over one in six US children has been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Each May, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and encourage support for these children, as well as for those who have not yet been diagnosed or received treatment. As a parent, caregiver, or someone who works with children, learning how to promote positive mental health can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Understanding National Children’s Mental Health Awareness

The first National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day began on May 7, 2005, bringing national attention to youth mental health through an event hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Observed annually during the first complete week of May, this initiative explores the social well-being of children and adolescents living with serious mental illness or other mental health challenges.

This awareness campaign works to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and create positive impacts in communities nationwide. Leading organizations like Mental Health America and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) sponsor events highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

Recognizing and participating in awareness events

Each year, SAMHSA partners with other national organizations to host events that individuals can attend online or in person. They provide fact sheets, educational resources, and guidance for families. Past events have included:

Discussions on trauma-informed mental health care for children
Inspiring stories from Olympic champions about mental health
Mental Health Awareness Month activities
Expert testimony on youth mental health needs
Suicide prevention initiatives

You can visit SAMHSA’s website and check with local mental health organizations to learn about upcoming events. Beyond attending organized events, you can observe these awareness days by actively supporting the mental health of children in your life. If you’re unsure where to find support, consider starting with online resources or low-cost community health centers. For children experiencing severe emotional disturbance, reaching out to a therapist promptly is crucial.

Practical ways to support your child’s mental health

There are several approaches you can use to support your child’s healthy emotional development throughout the year:

Teach them to identify emotions

Regular check-ins about feelings encourage children to be honest about their emotional state. However, children often struggle to put their emotions into words. They may not yet know how to explain what they’re feeling or recognize when those feelings might indicate a problem. Educating them on how to identify emotions and ask for help when needed can be invaluable.

Consider introducing a mood chart with graphics, establishing a daily feelings check-in routine, and modeling how you identify and handle your own emotions. For children with autism, learning to manage emotions can be particularly challenging. With proper education, treatment, and intervention, they can develop improved communication and social skills.

Recognize warning signs

Even when children understand their emotions, reaching out for help with mental health symptoms can be difficult. It’s important to watch for warning signs such as:

Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sleep difficulties
Emotional outbursts in specific settings or situations
Hyperactivity or inattentive behaviors
Social difficulties or isolation
Self-harm
Academic struggles
Developmental delays compared to peers
Frequent yelling or screaming
Risk-taking behaviors
Panic attacks or anxiety
Destructive behaviors
Physical aggression
Lack of empathy or remorse
Extreme attachment or separation anxiety
Missing or broken belongings (possible sign of bullying)

If you notice concerning behaviors in your child, consider reaching out to a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink to discuss your child’s mental health and explore intervention options if needed.

Prepare them to navigate unsafe situations

Since trauma commonly contributes to mental health issues in children, help your child learn to identify unsafe situations and know how to respond appropriately. For example, teach them the correct names of body parts and explain boundaries regarding appropriate touch.

Assure them they should report any scary, threatening, or strange events to you immediately, and that you will always listen without judgment. If your child reports a traumatic experience, use age-appropriate language to discuss what happened and seek appropriate mental health support as soon as possible.

Ensure their fundamental needs are met

Meeting your child’s basic needs is essential for developing a secure attachment style. These include not just physical necessities like food, water, shelter, and medical care, but also emotional support, unconditional love, meaningful conversation, and quality time together. Children who feel emotionally disconnected from their caregivers may develop insecure attachment, which can lead to mental health challenges and difficulties in future relationships. Children with special needs may require additional support to meet their unique requirements and experience optimal quality of life.

Express love and affection consistently

Research shows that demonstrating love and affection to your children significantly supports their mental health. Learning about the five love languages and discovering which ones resonate most with your child can be helpful. Once you understand how your child best receives expressions of love, you can focus on those approaches to help them feel supported and secure.

Model positive mental health habits

Studies indicate that young children mimic their parents, making it important to be mindful of the examples you set regarding mental health. When you demonstrate care for your own well-being—whether through self-care practices, expressing emotions appropriately, or seeking support when needed—you equip the children in your life with the knowledge and skills to do the same.

By implementing these strategies consistently, you can create an environment that nurtures your child’s mental health and emotional development, helping them build resilience and psychological well-being that will serve them throughout their lives.

FAQ

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Watch for persistent changes in behavior, mood, or daily functioning. Key signs include withdrawal from activities, declining school performance, sleep changes, excessive worries, or difficulty managing emotions. If these issues affect your child's daily life for more than two weeks, consulting a child therapist can help provide professional guidance and support.
What types of therapy are effective for children?

Children respond well to several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy. These methods help children express feelings, develop coping skills, and improve emotional regulation in age-appropriate ways. ReachLink's licensed therapists customize these approaches to meet your child's specific needs.
What happens during a child's therapy session?

Therapy sessions are tailored to your child's age and needs. They typically include engaging activities, conversations, and skill-building exercises. Therapists use age-appropriate techniques like play, art, or discussion to help children express feelings and learn coping strategies. Parents are often involved in the process to support their child's progress.
How does online therapy work for children?

ReachLink's online therapy connects children with licensed child therapists through secure video sessions. These sessions take place in your home's familiar environment, making therapy more comfortable and accessible. Therapists use interactive digital tools and activities to engage children effectively, while maintaining the same quality of care as in-person sessions.
How can parents support their child's therapy journey?

Parents play a crucial role by maintaining open communication, participating in sessions when requested, and supporting therapeutic strategies at home. Create a consistent routine for therapy sessions, help practice coping skills, and maintain regular communication with your child's therapist about progress and concerns.