Mental Health Resources for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
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211 San Diego is a non-profit that provides information and connections to community, health, and disaster resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in more than 200 languages. It is updated on a real-time basis. Examples of services include housing information and resources, flu and covid resources, tax & financial assistance, food assistance and disaster preparedness/ resources.
It’s Up to Us San Diego
It’s Up to Us is about helping San Diegans talk openly about mental health, recognize signs of challenges, find local resources, and seek support.
Federally Qualified Health Centers for Mental Health Support
This government website helps you locate a federally qualified health center for mental health and medical support near you. Examples include primary care clinics, dental offices, and mental health clinics.
Mental Health America (MHA) Resources for Parents
Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. This is a one-stop shop for free mental health resources for parents.
Mental Health Resources for Parents
The San Diego Office of Education offers free crisis mental health resources, support lines, mental health websites, and mental health handouts offered in both English and Spanish.
Elementary Parent Resources
The San Diego Office of Education provides free resources for parents of elementary-age students regarding, strategies to promote children’s health and well-being, suicide prevention, and a virtual wellness center offered in both English and Spanish.
Middle/High School Parent Resources
The San Diego Office of Education provides free resources for parents of middle and high school students including information every parent needs to know, mental health resources for parents, strategies to promote teens' mental health and well-being, and suicide prevention.
How to Help Your Teen Control Anxiety
A free resource for parents to support their students who are experiencing anxiety. This printable PDF explains what anxiety is, what anxiety can do, and helpful tips to help your teen control their anxiety.
Parent's Guide to Teen Depression
HelpGuide.org provides resources and an article to help parents and guardians learn about teen depression, its causes, how to help, suicide warning signs, and much more.
Therapist Aid - Childhood Depression
Therapist Aid is a website dedicated to helping mental health professionals improve their craft by providing free evidence-based education and therapy tools.
Check out these two resources to help you manage your child’s depression:
Tips for Supporting Children Who Are Grieving
As part of The National Grief Center for Children & Families, Dougy Center provides grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families can share their experiences before and after a death. Visit the Dougy Center online for grief resources or download the printable tip sheet for supporting children who are grieving.
Caregiver Wellness
As a caregiver, your own mental health and wellness is important. The San Diego County Office of Education provides a collection of wellness resources and tips for caregivers. Click on the image below to access the live links to resources.
National Alliance on Mental Illness- San Diego and Imperial Counties
Find support groups for youth, adults, and parents/guardians/caregivers who are struggling with the impacts of mental illness.
Family Guide to Supporting Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being
The guide helps parents and other adult family members and caregivers navigate supporting the overall well-being and mental health of school-aged children, including tips for what can be difficult conversations. It offers information about the social and emotional development of young people and explains warning signs that may signal mental health challenges. It equips caregivers with targeted strategies, tools, and resources that help them advocate for their family, address each child’s specific needs, and access professional help.
Parent Resources for Substance Abuse
Substance Use Disorder Programs for Adolescents
The San Diego Health and Human Services Agency provides a guide to community-based programs and services for substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment and recovery services throughout San Diego County.
For immediate support: Call the Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 (TTY: 711), 24/7; 150 languages.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping
Help for parents who need information and education about kids and vaping. Topics include What Parents Need to Know, Signs Your Kid May Already Be Vaping, Tips for a Healthy Discussion, and more.
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Fake Pills
One Pill Can Kill: Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is being pressed into fake pills and made to look like candy. All parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug threats to be able to have informed talks with their children. See this resource from the DEA for key information and tips.
Buying Drugs Online: What You Should Know and How to Protect Your Kids
This website provides information and ways for parents to protect their kids and prevent them from purchasing drugs online. Teens can purchase synthetic opioids online without their parents’ knowledge by accessing the internet known as the “dark web”- easily accessible using an anonymous browser, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to shut down.
Partnership to End Addiction
Resources and support for parents with Personalized Messages (Personalized Guidance), Online Support Groups, and Helpline Support. Also available in Spanish.