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Talk to them...

• Let the youth know that you notice their isolation or withdrawal, that you are worried about them, and that you want to help them.

• Talk with them about how they are feeling and why they aren’t engaging in their normal activities. Is it one area where they are isolating, or is it across the board?

• Notice whether their eating, weight and sleep has also changed. These can be physical indicators of depression.

• Keep the youth to a consistent schedule as much as possible.

• Give extra encouragement for youth to do normal activities, even when they don’t want to. Praise them when they engage.

• Check in with them often and let them know they are not alone.

• Watch for statements about not wanting to be here or to live. If you notice these, see Thinking or talking about suicide

Connect with supports

• There are several different ways to seek counseling or treatment. This includes a private therapist, a school counselor, mental health center services, and/or substance abuse treatment. Private therapists can be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), or a psychologist. This is usually covered by insurance and occurs weekly or every other week. Most therapists will individualize treatment and may offer more frequent sessions if needed.

• Youth may also be able to receive counseling at school. This may be in the form of a school counselor who is accessible to all youth. The school counselor can give you more information about services available in the school.

• Youth in crisis may need more intensive support than outpatient therapy or school counseling.

Call a doctor

• If you have a primary care doctor, they may be a good place to call first for education, referral, and consultation on your child's behavior. They may be able to rule out a medical reason for the behavior, and can discuss medication as an option. Take the youth to the Emergency Room if you feel it is safe for you to transport them.

Call 9-1-1

• If youth becomes non-responsive to these interventions and you are concerned about their physical well-being, take youth to the Emergency Room.

• Youth can be evaluated in the Emergency Room for mental health issues and possible placement in the hospital. They can arrive with parents, or with the support of law enforcement and/or other professionals. Youth must go through the process of medical screening, which can take several hours. The doctor then determines whether to call in the on-call mental health professional. This is most common when considering a placement in acute inpatient hospitalization.

• Law enforcement and other professionals are unlikely to stay through this process. Parents and professionals can call the on-call mental health professional before going to the Emergency Room. The on-call mental health professional will ask for a description of what is occurring and what the concerns are. They may be able to suggest an alternative, or at the least have some information ahead of time. If a youth needs a hospital placement or more intensive services, the Emergency Room staff can help explore options.

• Parents should attempt to transport youth, but can access an ambulance under certain circumstances. Parents must be present through the intake/admission process. If the youth does not need a hospital placement, Emergency Room staff will explore other options with the family. This may include shelter care, partial hospitalization, a safety plan, and information for follow up services.

• Under some circumstances, parents may decide against the recommendation to hospitalize their child. This is a parent’s right, and other community based options are available. It is important to know that not following this recommendation may result in a report to Child and Family Services from the mental health or medical provider.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

If you would like assistance getting help for yourself or you would like to refer your child, student or friend for professional services, click the button below.

All information shared is confidential and will only be used to help the person you care about, get the help they need.