How to tell if your child needs emotional help

Does your child have a mental health, substance abuse or emotional problem?

As a parent, you have several options if you think your child has a substance abuse, mental health or emotional problem.

FIRST STEPS

The following resources can offer support and guidance:

  • Your child's pediatrician or primary care physician
  • Your health insurance company's resource line
  • Behavioral Health & Recovery Services ACCESS Team: 800-686-0101 – They can provide you with helpful San Mateo County resources.
  • San Mateo office of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) 650-638-0800 - They can provide you with information, support and links to local resources.
  • 24-hour Parent Support Line at 1-888-220-7575
  • Alcohol & Drug Help Line at 650-573-3950
  • 24-hour Youth Crisis Hotline (10-17 years old) 650-367-9687 or www.onyourmind.net
  • 24-hour Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Hotline at 650-579-0350 or 1-800-SUICIDE - They can provide you with support and local resources
  • Psychiatric Emergency Services - 650-573-2662
  • If You See Unsafe Behavior In Your Child

Get them to the nearest Psychiatric Emergency Room – for San Mateo County residents this is located at San Mateo County Medical Center, 222 W. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 650-573-2662

If you are unable to do this, call 911 and ask for a CIT trained officer who is trained to work with people experiencing mental health issues.

How Will You Know if Your Child Needs Help?

You are concerned because your child:

  • Has had a change in their behavior
  • The relationship with your child has been affected
  • They are participating in impulsive, high risk behaviors
  • The problem is impacting your child's daily living tasks, such as attending school
  • They seem sad or withdrawn and are isolating themselves from others
  • They have become angry, irritable, aggressive or argumentative
  • They have become involved in criminal activity
  • They are displaying self-harm behaviors such as hurting themselves or drug use
  • They have had a recent loss such as a friend or loved one
  • There is ongoing conflict between you and your child
  • Experiencing a loss of appetite, irritability, and poor concentration
  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or low self-esteem
  • Suicidal thoughts or gestures
  • Hearing voices or delusional
  • Excessive anxiety
  • Change in usual sleep pattern

If your child is displaying any of the above symptoms or behaviors, contact the resources listed above, or you can call me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation at 650-504-9904 or www.merlesaber.com

This information is not intended to diagnose or take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or health care professional. If you have ongoing problems, or have more questions please consult with your doctor.

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