Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health | Bradley Hospital
Source: https://www.bradleyhospital.org/locations/bradley-hospital/parents-guide-childrens-mental-health
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health | Bradley Hospital
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Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
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Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Finding someone to take care of your child’s mental health is just as important as finding someone to take care of their physical well-being. If your child has a broken bone, you take them to an emergency room. But what if they are in an emotional crisis? Where do you go?
Finding Mental Health Help for Your Child or Teen
A common complaint that we hear from parents is that they are frustrated with the complexity of the children’s mental healthcare system and the process of navigating it. To help solve this problem, we have researched and produced this “how-to” guide for parents on children’s mental health issues.
This guide is not meant to diagnose your child. It is meant to be a one-stop resource for all parents—from those who simply have questions about common children’s mental health problems, such as ADHD, low self-esteem, or depression, to those who are looking for advocacy organizations and support groups to help them with difficult issues concerning their child’s diagnosis. The information is written for parents, but it is our hope that family members, community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers will also find it useful.
It is our sincere wish that this will help children and their families find the answers they need about mental healthcare and enable them to better access and use the children’s mental healthcare system, which can be complex and confusing. Navigating through it can be difficult, time consuming, and stressful. We can help.
Get Help Navigating the Mental Healthcare System
The guide's sections are arranged to follow the steps a parent would take to get help for their child—from the first moment you notice something is “not quite right,” to the options for paying for mental healthcare, and every step in between.
Of course, every parent, child, and situation is different and will enter the mental healthcare system at a different point. Because of this, the guide has cross-links that refer you to other pages for more information or next steps. So no matter where you start in the process, you will be able to find the information you need.
Helpful Definitions
Definition of "Parent"
This guide uses the term “parent” to describe any person who nurtures and raises a child. A parent could to a biological parent, an adoptive parent, a foster parent, a grandparent, an uncle or aunt, a sister or brother, or any other caregiver or guardian.
Definition of "Child" or "Children"
The guide also uses the terms “child” or “children” to describe a child or children, birth to age 21. However, in certain sections, the guide uses more specific terms to describe when something might occur in a child’s life. These terms include:
Infants: birth to age one
Toddlers (or toddlerhood): ages one to three
Younger children (or early childhood): birth to age five
Older children: ages 6 to 12
Adolescents (or adolescence): ages 13 to 21
Index
How to Find Help for Your Child (Interactive Assessment Tool)
An assessment tool to help you learn how the children's mental healthcare system works.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues are usually put into different categories based on similar signs and symptoms. Start with this section if you notice specific signs or symptoms in your child, but are not sure what they may mean.
Talking to Your Child’s Pediatrician
Not sure who to turn to first? Your child’s pediatrician is an excellent place to start. Turn to this section for more information about the role of your child’s pediatrician in the mental healthcare system.
Mental Health Evaluations
Mental healthcare providers use a variety of tools when looking at a child’s mental health. Use this section to learn more about the different types of evaluations, so you can know what to expect.
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
This section describes the most common mental illnesses diagnosed in children. Each diagnosis provides typical signs and symptoms, diagnosis information, possible treatment options, and helpful resources.
Mental Health Support
Caring for a child with a mental health issue requires a lot of work. In this section, learn more about the different parts of the mental healthcare system and how you and your support team can work with them.
Mental Health Treatment
A variety of different types of treatment are available for children with mental health issues. This section will provide some general information about the different treatment options.
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Understanding healthcare coverage can be confusing. Use this section to learn more about the different types of healthcare coverage and where to find additional resources when services are not covered.
Emergencies and crisis situations happen and sometimes cannot be avoided. Crisis situations are filled with high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear. You need to remain calm. Your child needs you and your support right now.
Use this assessment to help you figure out what to do
.
Get more information about how to respond
.
If you are still unsure of what to do, call 911.
About This Guide
The information on this site came from a number of sources, including the
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
, a printed resource originally produced by Bradley Hospital in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health and Hasbro Children's Fund. Content has been reviewed, updated and further developed by pediatric mental health providers at Bradley Hospital.
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
URL COPIED!
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Finding someone to take care of your child’s mental health is just as important as finding someone to take care of their physical well-being. If your child has a broken bone, you take them to an emergency room. But what if they are in an emotional crisis? Where do you go?
Finding Mental Health Help for Your Child or Teen
A common complaint that we hear from parents is that they are frustrated with the complexity of the children’s mental healthcare system and the process of navigating it. To help solve this problem, we have researched and produced this “how-to” guide for parents on children’s mental health issues.
This guide is not meant to diagnose your child. It is meant to be a one-stop resource for all parents—from those who simply have questions about common children’s mental health problems, such as ADHD, low self-esteem, or depression, to those who are looking for advocacy organizations and support groups to help them with difficult issues concerning their child’s diagnosis. The information is written for parents, but it is our hope that family members, community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers will also find it useful.
It is our sincere wish that this will help children and their families find the answers they need about mental healthcare and enable them to better access and use the children’s mental healthcare system, which can be complex and confusing. Navigating through it can be difficult, time consuming, and stressful. We can help.
Get Help Navigating the Mental Healthcare System
The guide's sections are arranged to follow the steps a parent would take to get help for their child—from the first moment you notice something is “not quite right,” to the options for paying for mental healthcare, and every step in between.
Of course, every parent, child, and situation is different and will enter the mental healthcare system at a different point. Because of this, the guide has cross-links that refer you to other pages for more information or next steps. So no matter where you start in the process, you will be able to find the information you need.
Helpful Definitions
Definition of "Parent"
This guide uses the term “parent” to describe any person who nurtures and raises a child. A parent could to a biological parent, an adoptive parent, a foster parent, a grandparent, an uncle or aunt, a sister or brother, or any other caregiver or guardian.
Definition of "Child" or "Children"
The guide also uses the terms “child” or “children” to describe a child or children, birth to age 21. However, in certain sections, the guide uses more specific terms to describe when something might occur in a child’s life. These terms include:
Infants: birth to age one
Toddlers (or toddlerhood): ages one to three
Younger children (or early childhood): birth to age five
Older children: ages 6 to 12
Adolescents (or adolescence): ages 13 to 21
Index
How to Find Help for Your Child (Interactive Assessment Tool)
An assessment tool to help you learn how the children's mental healthcare system works.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues are usually put into different categories based on similar signs and symptoms. Start with this section if you notice specific signs or symptoms in your child, but are not sure what they may mean.
Talking to Your Child’s Pediatrician
Not sure who to turn to first? Your child’s pediatrician is an excellent place to start. Turn to this section for more information about the role of your child’s pediatrician in the mental healthcare system.
Mental Health Evaluations
Mental healthcare providers use a variety of tools when looking at a child’s mental health. Use this section to learn more about the different types of evaluations, so you can know what to expect.
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
This section describes the most common mental illnesses diagnosed in children. Each diagnosis provides typical signs and symptoms, diagnosis information, possible treatment options, and helpful resources.
Mental Health Support
Caring for a child with a mental health issue requires a lot of work. In this section, learn more about the different parts of the mental healthcare system and how you and your support team can work with them.
Mental Health Treatment
A variety of different types of treatment are available for children with mental health issues. This section will provide some general information about the different treatment options.
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Understanding healthcare coverage can be confusing. Use this section to learn more about the different types of healthcare coverage and where to find additional resources when services are not covered.
Emergencies and crisis situations happen and sometimes cannot be avoided. Crisis situations are filled with high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear. You need to remain calm. Your child needs you and your support right now.
Use this assessment to help you figure out what to do
.
Get more information about how to respond
.
If you are still unsure of what to do, call 911.
About This Guide
The information on this site came from a number of sources, including the
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
, a printed resource originally produced by Bradley Hospital in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health and Hasbro Children's Fund. Content has been reviewed, updated and further developed by pediatric mental health providers at Bradley Hospital.
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA