Childrens Mental Health
Know the Signs
Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. There's no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness. Each illness has its own set of symptoms. Learn more about some common signs of mental illness courtesy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Children's Mental Health Matters.org in Maryland offers a family resource kit that outlines when to seek help, other signs and symptoms, basic facts about many mental illnesses that affect children and youth and much more.
Local Central Florida Resources
Federation of Families of Central Florida
The local Federation of Families chapter brings together families from Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties to share stories, support each other and advocate for their children. The Children’s Cabinet of Seminole County works directly with this organization.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando
NAMIGO is a local nonprofit organization serving people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. Learn more about local NAMI trainings here.
Online Resources
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
This family-run organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Child and Adolescent Action Center
http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Child_and_Adolescent_Action_Center
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI's Child and Adolescent Action Center (CAAC) works to improve the lives of children, youth and young adults impacted by mental illness and their families.
Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere. The organization is committed to finding more effective treatments for childhood psychiatric and learning disorders, building the science of healthy brain development and empowering children and their families with help, hope and answers.
The Addiction Center
www.AddictionCenter.com/Teenage-Drug-Abuse
The Alcohol Rehab Guide
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/
Children of Military Service Members Resource Guide
This guide assists parents, family members and health care providers in addressing the mental and emotional health needs of military children.
Children’s Mental Health Network
The Children’s Mental Health Network is a national alliance between communities, practitioners, families, agencies, alumni of system of care communities, and individuals that seek to share information, keep in touch, advocate for children’s mental health issues, and offer experience-based consultation.
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development Comprehensive List of Online Resources
http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/resources/
The Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) was established over four decades ago to improve the quality of life for all children and youth, especially those with, or at risk for, special needs and their families.
Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
Mental Health America is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental and substance use conditions and achieving victory over mental illnesses and addictions through advocacy, education, research and service.
Mental Health.gov
MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. MentalHealth.gov aims to educate and guide: The general public; health and emergency preparedness professionals; policy makers; government and business leaders; school systems; and local communities.
Content for Mental Health.gov is provided by:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus and National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
This federal agency is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the years, it has demonstrated that prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover from mental and substance use disorders.