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No matter the challenges you might be facing, a support group could provide the encouragement you need to get through a difficult time. Find a safe, supportive and confidential environment to share your story.

We all wonder and worry about our children, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal tantrums and the signs of a more serious behavioral problem. If you think your child’s thoughts or emotions might call for attention, your next move should be to consult a mental health professional. Start with a developmental pediatrician or community behavioral health resource to voice your concerns.

Healthy minds are the building blocks for strong family foundations. For children whose parents are affected with mental health issues, or for children with their own mental health challenges, help is available here in Stark County. Find local resources, organizations and support groups dedicated to lifting up families touched by mental illness.

When it comes to teenage behavior, it can be difficult to distinguish angst and mood swings from deep emotional turmoil. Learn where and how to report a problem if you believe you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness. There are many Stark County organizations dedicated to supporting young people in their journeys toward hope and recovery.

The transition to parenthood is difficult at any age, and especially for teens and young adults. Find local resources, programs and organizations available to support young parents in Stark County, both financially and emotionally. Benefits of social support services for first-time parents include improved parenting knowledge, enhanced parent-child relationships and increased economic self-sufficiency.

From education and income to physical and emotional health, learn about programs and organizations dedicated to supporting parents in Stark County as they navigate parenthood. Because a strong family foundation can help children succeed at home, in the classroom and in their relationships with others.

Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Whether it is a natural disaster, exposure to violence or abuse, or the death of a loved one, a person’s ability to cope with these experiences can have a lasting effect. When a teen experiences trauma, they may respond differently than a younger child or an adult. Find local resources to help support young people who have gone through trauma and their traumatic stress in Stark County.

Substance use and alcoholism can be devastating for teens. They may not realize the serious, long-term effects addiction can have on their bodies and developing brains, so it is important that they get support from adults and advocates who care. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, learn about the prevention, treatment and recovery services for teens available in Stark County.

Unfortunately, substance use is becoming an increasing concern for younger children in our community. Children who develop drug and alcohol dependencies early in life often experience problems in the classroom, which can lead to long-lasting disadvantages in life. Find community-based prevention and recovery resources, including youth counseling, to help support children whose young lives are touched by addiction.

If you are experiencing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. Being a pregnant teen can be overwhelming and confusing, but community resources in Stark County are available to help you along the way. Find support groups, health care providers and confidential spaces to talk about your pregnancy options.

When a young person’s safety and well-being is threatened, it can have negative effects for a lifetime. It’s often more challenging for a young adult to cope with such events because they’re also dealing with other significant challenges, including personal relationships and living independently for the first time. Whether sudden or long-lasting, these experiences can leave a young person confused, angry or anxious. Find local resources to support these emerging adults through traumatic events.

Teens and young adults who have diagnosable mental illnesses may have difficulty managing daily life functions, including securing housing, employment and education without assistance. Fortunately, Stark County has many mental health and independent living programs available to help support young people as they transition to adulthood.

Addiction is a complex problem. People who struggle with substance use physically and psychologically crave a drug, even when they know the adverse effect it has on their body, their relationships and their community. Stark Help Central is committed to helping young people to overcome their addictions and develop into productive, stable adults. Find local resources dedicated to supporting young people who are affected by substance use.

For families whose lives are touched by addiction, the effects are felt by every member, especially young children. A child who is surrounded by substance use early in their life often experiences long-lasting impacts that follow them well into adulthood. Find local programs and resources to help support these vulnerable children so they remain safe, hopeful and resilient.

After school or during the summer, school-based activities slow down and it can be difficult to find ways to keep kids and teens occupied. The youth enrichment activities available in Stark County provide children with positive ways to get involved in their communities, make new friends and stay busy beyond the classroom. Learn about the many opportunities for academic, social, emotional and recreational support near you. Please note, resource eligibility may be determined based on financial need.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, it is important to seek help immediately. No matter if you’re struggling with depression, substance use, relationship problems or family turmoil, free and confidential support is available. You are not alone and talking to someone could help save a life.

When children are exposed to violence, abuse or even natural disasters, their confidence is shaken, and their view of the world can be altered. A child’s psychological and physical response to these events can have long-lasting implications for their success in school, their personal relationships and their behavior. Find local resources and childhood counseling to support children who have experienced trauma in Stark County.

Addiction leaves countless individuals and their loved ones reeling from its devastating impact. As a disease, addiction is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. Beyond the stereotypical images of substance use, addiction can have behavioral and psychological effects.   

If you’re helping someone with addiction issues, the first thing is to know there is always hope and a way forward.   

To provide meaningful help to a loved one struggling with addiction,

Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of children have been exposed to domestic violence by the age of 17. Witnessing violence can have long-term impacts on these adolescents, putting them at higher risk for substance use, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and even further domestic violence. Find resources to help prevent violence in the home and support young people experiencing domestic violence in Stark County.

According to RAINN, every 98 seconds, someone experiences sexual assault. This could include actions such as harassment, rape or sexual violence. For a young person who has suffered sexual abuse, the effects can be long lasting, leading to physical, emotional and psychological harm. Find rape crisis services and sexual abuse support groups available in Stark County.

Youth and teens are considered the highest at-risk group for homelessness in the United States. Each year, in communities like ours, it is estimated that up to two million young people are living on the streets, vulnerable to harm. Every child needs a healthy, safe environment in which to live. Learn what support services can help you or someone you know transition to a more stable living environment.

Are you ready to seek treatment for a mental health condition? We know there are many reasons why reaching out for support might not be the easiest choice. But we also know it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your emotional wellness. And now there are alternatives to meeting with a counselor in person! Telehealth is now available for virtual mental health support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of sadness or hopelessness,

In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com. 

Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.  

StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),

While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.

Struggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.

Once your family is seated around the dinner table, the typical conversation starter is: “So, how was your day?”

And the typical answer? “Fine.”

Getting your child to say anything more can be a lot of work.

But what if you stopped thinking of the child’s attitude as the problem, and started with the question? What if there were some truly interesting questions you could ask your family? And what if they were excited to think about them and answer?

In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, let us take a moment to learn more about what we can do in our personal and professional lives to create safe spaces and caring relationships for our LGBTQ youth (and adults).

Far too many LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe and accepted or feel a sense of pride in themselves.  In fact, LGBTQ+ youth experience bullying, parental rejection, depression, and thoughts of suicide at significantly higher rates then their heterosexual peers.

Sometimes you might hear the terms mental wellness or mental health and think they mean the same thing. While they are connected, they actually mean two different things. What the difference?  Mental Wellness is your overall mental wellbeing, and everyone has it! Mental wellness is when people can recognize their abilities, cope with typical stress, work and function well.  In order to be mentally well, we have to take care of our minds just like we do the rest of our body.

Happy Pride Month, Ohioans! Nowadays, Pride celebrations extend beyond the month of June and into the summer, so everyone has a chance to celebrate. If you’re looking for Pride events near you throughout Ohio, you’ve come to the right place.

No matter how you identify or if you’re an ally, there’s a Pride parade, festival or celebration near you. Be sure to catch a live performance, support local vendors who attend, volunteer for a committee,