🧭 Understanding School Supports
1. Understood.org
➡️ https://www.understood.org
An essential resource for parents navigating learning and attention issues, anxiety, ADHD, and emotional regulation. Includes guides on 504 Plans, IEPs, school communication, and parent advocacy.
2. Child Mind Institute
➡️ https://childmind.org
Offers practical, easy-to-read advice about children’s mental health, treatment options, and how to collaborate with schools. Check out their “Parents Guide to School Refusal” and “Anxiety in the Classroom” resources.
3. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) – Family Resources
➡️ https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/families-and-educators
Explains the roles of school psychologists, 504 plans, behavior supports, and how to partner effectively with your child’s school team.
4. PACER Center – Family Advocacy Tools
➡️ https://www.pacer.org
Parent training and advocacy resources focused on special education rights, mental health supports, and understanding your child’s educational protections.
5. The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
➡️ https://www.parentcenterhub.org
Provides plain-language guides on IDEA, Section 504, and school-based supports for emotional and behavioral needs.
🧒 Helping Your Child Manage Emotions and Mental Health
6. Child Mind Institute – Mental Health Topics
➡️ https://childmind.org/topics-a-z/
Searchable articles on anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and emotional regulation, written for parents.
7. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
➡️ https://www.aacap.org
“Facts for Families” series provides short, evidence-based summaries of common child and teen mental health conditions, including how to recognize early signs and seek treatment.
8. Mental Health America (MHA)
➡️ https://www.mhanational.org
Offers free mental health screenings, parent-friendly toolkits, and information on youth mental health conditions and recovery.
9. The REACH Institute – Resources for Families
➡️ https://thereachinstitute.org/resources-for-families/
Focuses on practical tools for parents managing children’s anxiety, depression, and ADHD in collaboration with pediatricians.
🏥 Finding Professional Help
10. SAMHSA Treatment Locator
➡️ https://findtreatment.gov
Enter your ZIP code to find local therapists, psychiatrists, outpatient programs, and intensive day or residential programs for children and teens.
11. Psychology Today – Find a Therapist
➡️ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Lets you search for child and teen therapists by location, insurance, and specialty (e.g., anxiety, trauma, DBT).
12. NAMI HelpLine & Local Chapters (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
➡️ https://www.nami.org/help
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “Helpline” to 62640 for free support. NAMI also offers Family-to-Family classes and local parent support groups.
💬 Peer and Family Support Networks
13. National Federation of Families
➡️ https://www.ffcmh.org
Peer-run organization connecting families raising children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Offers family coaching, training, and advocacy.
14. The Jed Foundation (JED)
➡️ https://jedfoundation.org
Resources for parents of teens and young adults focused on emotional well-being, college readiness, and suicide prevention.
15. Partnership to End Addiction
➡️ https://drugfree.org
Free text-based support and guidance for parents concerned about substance use or co-occurring mental health conditions.
🚨 Crisis & Emergency Help
16. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)
Connects you or your child to trained crisis counselors across the U.S.
17. Crisis Text Line
📱 Text HOME to 741741
Immediate, text-based emotional support for anyone in distress.
18. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
📞 1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678 | 🌐 https://thetrevorproject.org
24/7 crisis and peer support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
19. Children’s Hospital Mental Health Urgent Care Centers
Check your local children’s hospital — many now have urgent care options for same-day evaluation and safety planning without the ER wait.
📚 Bonus Parent Learning & Advocacy Tools
20. ChildTrends.org – Research & Insights for Parents
➡️ https://www.childtrends.org
Summaries of national research on child mental health, well-being, and educational equity — helps parents understand the “big picture.”
21. HealthyChildren.org (by the American Academy of Pediatrics)
➡️ https://www.healthychildren.org
Parent-friendly articles from pediatricians on child development, emotional health, and when to seek help.
22. EdNavigator
➡️ https://www.ednavigator.com
Guides parents through school systems, special education, and connecting home and classroom support.