GUIDE
Mental Health
Kids’ mental health is just as important as their physical health. Research shows that up to 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental health condition, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased that number. The following guides cover a range of mental health topics, with tips for parents, tips for kids and teens, recommended reading/viewing, and crisis resources put together by the pediatric mental health experts at CHOC. These resources are not meant to replace your child’s professional mental healthcare but rather to supplement it by giving you helpful tips and tools all in one place.
Mental health treatment
Mental Health Resources
The mental health team at CHOC curated the following resources on mental health topics common to kids and teens, such as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, mood hygiene, trauma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
See the menu below organized by intended audience, including children, their parents and school staff members. Many resources are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Mental health videos
Mental Health Webinars
CHOC’s Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) and our team of pediatric mental health specialists have provided hundreds of educational sessions to thousands of community members, including youth, parents, educators and providers. Through our presentations and trainings, we strive to partner with and equip our community stakeholders with the needed knowledge, tools and resources to support the wellness of our County’s children, adolescents and young adults. If you have any questions about our educational offerings, please contact our MHEP team at MHEP@choc.org
Upcoming Webinars
Stress Relief Videos
Vídeos en español
Serie de videos de técnicas para aliviar la ansiedad y el estrés.
Learn more about CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Services
At CHOC, we specialize in providing a full continuum of pediatric mental healthcare, including inpatient, intensive outpatient and outpatient program services.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Bullying
Depression
Eating Disorders
Grief
Social Media
Suicide Prevention
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Articles
- Why are youths resorting to substance and drug use?
- How to talk to children about war
- Talking to children about race and racism: An age-by-age guide
- Understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), risks and protective factors
- Helping children cope with mass violence
- Talking to children about tragic events
Subscribe to CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Newsletter
Sign up for monthly tips, news and information to stay up to date on important mental health topics.
Mental health recommended resources
Crisis Resources
If your child expresses thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest Emergency Department.
MHSA Suicide Prevention Line:
(877) 7CRISIS or (877) 727-4747
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
9-8-8
Crisis Text Line:
Text “HOME” to 741741
Save for later
Download, print or share on social media.
Find a mental health provider
Check your insurance website or the back of your insurance card.
Explore Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” tool.
www.psychologytoday.com/us
Call CalOptima Behavioral Health (Orange County, CA).
855-877-3885
The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
For more health and wellness resources from the pediatric experts at CHOC, sign up for the Kids Health newsletter.
The contents of this webpage, including text, graphics, audio files, and videos (“Materials”), are for your general information only. The Materials are not intended to substitute qualified professional or medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. CHOC does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or other information that may be mentioned on or linked to this webpage. Always call your physician or another qualified health provider if you have any questions or problems. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
For more health information for your family visit health.choc.org
