Mental health: childhood

School can present many challenges for students. Whether they are struggling in class, experiencing issues in the home or having a hard time socially, CARE Teams are available to help. Each CARE team is different, but they are typically made up of school guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, clinical staff, family support specialists and mental health professionals. With different skills and backgrounds at the table, each member of the CARE Team contributes a unique perspective to address student issues with wraparound resources.

Find local resources, organizations and public assistance programs dedicated to making reliable, safe and affordable child care accessible to all families in Stark County. Child care assistance helps to pay a portion of your child care costs, so you can continue to work and support your family.

In some instances, a child who has experienced trauma or another mental health challenge may struggle to cope as they get older. If your child seems to be battling feelings of hopelessness, sadness or difficult behaviors, consider seeking the help of a mental health provider in Stark County. You can ask your child’s pediatrician for referrals…

Childhood is often considered a happy, carefree time, but children are not always shielded from trauma and turmoil. From bullying and divorce to abuse and grief, kids can be exposed to many of life’s challenges. For these children, resiliency skills can help them discover ways to cope with difficult situations and move forward.

Family therapy can be a helpful tool to reduce household conflicts and concerns by encouraging more positive family interactions. Through open and honest dialogues, this method of group counseling can help set strong foundations for healthy minds and strong families. Find family and youth counseling resources here in Stark County.

The first time you experience a break in your perceptions or sense of reality, it can be frightening and difficult to understand. This early stage of psychosis can happen to people of all ages, and is the most critical time to seek treatment from a trusted mental health provider. Learn ways to identify the first episode of psychosis and find service providers in Stark County you can turn to for support.

Young people who experience the loss of a loved one can have a strong emotional response that they don’t fully understand. Parents, educators and peer supporters can help teenagers and young adults manage the pain and discover ways to cope and recover. Find local resources available to support young people in Stark County as they deal with the effects of grief and trauma.

If you think your child may need mental health treatment, discussing your concerns can help you determine next steps. Talk with local pediatricians, counselors or behavioral health specialists for insight, solutions and information about your options. Affordable resources for medical and mental health services are available near you.

It is common for people who struggle with substance use to also receive mental health services. Those who have been through trauma or experience anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol and drugs to cope. Fortunately, community programs are available to help these individuals find healthy ways to heal and move forward.

In Stark County, mental health support groups provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment to talk and listen. These sessions help attendees find understanding and reassurance from peers in similar situations, while offering different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints. Find schedules and contact information for support groups near you.

For Stark County families to grow stronger and healthier, it is important that everyone has the support they need to maintain their emotional well-being. There are hundreds of mental health, substance use and trauma recovery resources available here in Stark County, including individual, family and faith-based services.

Your ability to pay for services should never be a barrier to seeking the help you need. Even if you do not have access to insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or another medical care payment method, you are still encouraged to seek support. Financial help may be available based on your income and other factors.

A child’s mental health challenges can be difficult for parents to recognize. This often means that children who could benefit from behavioral support services don't receive the help they need. Learn about some of the most common warning signs of mental illness in children as well as strategies to cope, heal and move forward.

Stress impacts us all at one point or another, and everyone handles stress differently. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing severe stress over an extended period of time, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance. Find tips and suggestions for coping with stress as well as local organizations that can help.