
For Providers: Mental Health Resources
The knowledge, recommendations, and guidance you share with families can create an important pivot point in a child’s life.
As a provider, you want the children and families in your care to flourish and thrive.
When you’re concerned about a child’s mental or behavioral health—or when a parent or guardian has shared their concerns—you may find yourself serving as the “gatekeeper” that can offer support and point parents and caregivers toward resources and, possibly, to mental health providers.
Whether you’re an educator, health provider, faith leader, or serving families and children in any other role, the knowledge, recommendations, and guidance you share with families can create an important pivot point in a child’s life. You can set a positive tone that can help lessen the all-too-common stigma and shame associated with getting mental health care. Here are resources to help you help families.
Resource page compiled by The American Psychological Association.

Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.

Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.

Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.

See You Later Alligator
A special, loving good-bye routine can make separations easier.

Friendship Bracelets
When it’s hard to be apart from those we love, the littlest things can become big reminders that someone loves us and is thinking of us.

Cloud Watching
Spending time outside can feel like a “reset” on the day.

Pillow Hugs
Hugging a pillow covered with an item of a loved one’s clothing can help comfort children when they’re missing them.