In Our Own Words

Getting help is the most important thing that parents can do for children and adolescents with a mental health concern. Parents should try to find a mental health professional with advanced training and experience evaluating and treating children, adolescents, and their families. It is important to find a comfortable match between your child, your family, and the mental health professional.

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders that affect children and adolescents. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have completed four years of medical school, at least three years of residency training in general psychiatry with adults, and two years of additional training in psychiatric work with children and adolescents.

Find a child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area.

What to Do if You Think You or a Loved One Has a Mental Illness or Need Help
To find the right care you should look for a mental health professional who has advanced training and experience with children, adolescents, and families. It is important to find a comfortable match between yourself, your family, and the mental health professional.

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Finder
• Finding the Right Care
• Crisis Hotline Numbers: 1-800-273-TALK. If you are in immediate crisis dial 911.

Youth Helping Youth

• Youth Organizations
  • Many states have local and national youth organization. Find out about different organizations in your area and across the country
• How to Talk to a Friend in Need