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• Stay calm. Losing your cool takes the focus off of what they need to do and can make their behavior worse.

• Be clear and consistent with the rules or directions. Keep it simple and matter of fact.

• Explain their choices, and what the consequences will be if they choose not to listen. Make sure it is appropriate to the situation and something you are prepared to follow through with.

• Give them a set amount of time to make a choice, give them space to decide, and praise them if they make a good one.

• Choose your battles. Don’t waste your energy on power struggles that don’t have a purpose.

• Don’t take it personally, and take your own space if you need to in order to stay calm.

• 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.

• Depending on the severity and if the youth is not responsive to these other interventions, you may consider calling 9-1-1 or taking youth to the police department to be ticketed. Be aware that this is a short term fix that will get youth involved in the Court system.

• When calling 9-1-1, be ready to give the dispatcher the right information. This includes name: phone number, address, date of birth, people involved, a description of the situation, and what kind of help you need. It may be helpful to inform the dispatcher of the child’s mental health issues so that the responding officer is aware.

• Remember that 9-1-1 is an emergency response, and the goal of the responding officer will be to ensure safety and move on to the next call.

• There are several possible responses by law enforcement. Law enforcement may provide support to stabilize, transport youth to the Emergency Room for evaluation, write a ticket, and/or place a youth in detention.

• Once law enforcement arrives, the outcome is up to their discretion.

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.