One in five children and adolescents may have a mental health condition at any given time. It is important to recognize that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Mental health, also known as emotional or behavioral health, is a vital part of your child’s medical health and development. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act. All children and teens have periods of anger, frustration, and sadness. However, for some kids, these feelings can reach a tipping point and interfere with everyday life.

Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term or severe conditions into adulthood.

To seek help for your child’s mental health, you can:

• Encourage them to get involved with after-school activities, athletics, or community and faith-based organizations.
• Voice your concerns with your pediatrician. They can make referrals for treatment.
• Ask your insurance company which mental health professionals are within your healthcare network.
• Talk to a school psychologist. They are usually trained in both psychology and education, and can help children academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
• Reach out to a Family or System Navigator for children up to 21 years old. Each Maryland county has Navigators to help families access resources within Maryland’s mental health system. There is no cost for navigation services.
• Mental Health Education and Advocacy Organizations in Maryland are dedicated to assisting family members with finding help for children. Organizations such as the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF), and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide education, support, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families.

The City’s Department of Youth, Family Services and Senior Services offers emergency counseling resources for our youngest residents and their families. For more information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/YFS, call at 240-487-3500, or email families@collegeparkmd.gov.