Seeing your child or a child you care about struggling is scary and can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are resources in our community to support you and your family as you navigate this path.
It is crucial that you not overlook the importance of taking care of your own mental health as you support that of your child. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your child.
Youth Suicide Prevention-Start Early When it Comes to Mental Health
According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, one in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition, like anxiety, panic attacks or depression, and 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. Creating spaces in your homes to have open conversations about feelings and emotions from an early age can be critical in addressing these challenges as soon as possible. Click here for tips for starting this conversation.
Round Rock ISD’s Response & Support During Student Mental Health Crisis
RRISD has licensed social workers who are highly skilled and trained in supporting campus professionals before, during, and after mental health crises on campuses. We utilize the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to screen any student experiencing suicidal ideation. This is a highly researched and evidenced based screening tool that is used in most agencies and facilities throughout the country. You can learn more about the C-SSRS here.
Mental Health Services Continuum
When your child is experiencing mental health challenges, you may not know where to go or what options are available to you. Knowing the different levels of care available is crucial to ensure that your child gets the appropriate services for their individual needs. The options available in the community include outpatient services, Intensive Outpatient Services (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Inpatient Hospitalization. Click here for more information on each level of care.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Texas
NAMI of Central Texas offers educational workshops, support groups, and free classes to anyone who is either living with a mental health condition or has a loved one with a mental health challenge.
Child Mind Institute- Parents Guide to Getting Good Care
This is a guide written by the Child Mind Institute informing parents of children with mental illness about when to know a child needs help, what to look for in a diagnosis, what do ask before beginning treatment, and more. Find the guide here
Texas Parent to Parent
Texas Parent to Parent provides support, information and education to families and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, mental health challenges and other health care needs. These services include:
- Peer Parent support/mentoring
- Advocacy
- Information/Resource Library
- Trainings and Conferences
- Etc.
To visit their website for more information, click here.
Austin Child Guidance Center
In addition to providing therapeutic services, Austin Child Guidance Center also provides parent workshops and parent support through their walk-in clinic.
Services are available in English and Spanish and are offered on a sliding scale.