Getting Mental Health Help for Your Child

Reviewed by the legal team at Estey & Bomberger, LLP · Updated November 14, 2026

If it's an emergency

You don't have to be sure it's a "real" emergency to reach out. If you're scared for your child's safety, that is reason enough.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online. It's free, confidential and open 24/7. Parents can call for advice on how to help their child, too.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Many teens find texting easier than talking.
• 911 or the nearest emergency room: if your child has hurt themselves or you believe they can't stay safe.

If you're worried about suicide, it's okay to ask your child directly whether they are thinking about it. Asking does not put the idea in their head. It shows them they can talk to you. Stay with them, listen, and get help.

Help for eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious, but people do recover, especially with early care.

• ANAD Helpline: The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders offers a free helpline at 1-888-375-7767 for support and referrals.
• Your child's doctor: A pediatrician can check your child's physical health, which matters a great deal with eating disorders, and refer you to specialists.

Learn more on our eating disorders page.

Everyday places to start

Not every situation is a crisis. If you've noticed worrying changes, these are good first steps:

• Your pediatrician or family doctor. They can screen for depression, anxiety, eating problems and sleep issues, and refer you to mental health care. You can call the office and ask for a visit about your child's mood or behavior.
• A licensed therapist or counselor. Look for someone who works with kids and teens. Your insurance company can give you a list of covered providers, and your doctor may have names.
• The school counselor or school psychologist. They see your child every day, may have noticed changes, and can often connect you to local resources.
• Your health plan's behavioral health line. Many insurance cards list a number for mental health services.

If you're not sure what you're seeing, our guide to the signs of TikTok addiction may help you describe it to a doctor.

Supporting your child at home

• Listen more than you talk. Let your child share without jumping to fix or judge.
• Tell them it's not their fault. These apps were built to be hard to put down. Struggling with them isn't a weakness.
• Protect sleep. Many families find it helps to keep phones out of bedrooms at night.
• Follow the care plan. Ask your child's providers how you can help between visits.
• Take care of yourself. Supporting a struggling child is hard. It's okay to get support for you, too.

For ideas on starting hard conversations, see how to talk to your teen about social media.

Recovery is possible

With the right help, kids and teens do get better. Treatment, time, and steady support from the people who love them make a real difference. Many young people who went through depression, anxiety, eating disorders or self-harm go on to feel like themselves again.

Getting your child care always comes first. Later, when you're ready, you may want to learn whether your family has a legal case against TikTok or another app. A free, confidential case review is there whenever you need it, and you pay nothing unless we win. There's no rush and no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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