Over the last several years, California has recognized the mental health and social-emotional needs of our youth. Adults who work in our schools have been trained to recognize risk factors, warning signs, and what to do when they are concerned about a child’s social-emotional and mental well-being. Since the fall of 2019, we have expanded and prioritized our outreach and social-emotional supports available to students and families.
We all experience different levels of mental health as we go through life, and mental health problems can be very common. In fact, 50% of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime. Youth ages 10-14 are showing increasing signs of anxiety, suicide ideation, depression, stress, crisis, family instability, isolation, interpersonal conflict, loss, and emotional distress. The good news is that people recover from mental illness all the time. With support, individuals report reduced symptoms and improved quality of life. We are here to help.
As a reminder, please access your regular mental health provider for support. If you have private insurance, consider calling your carrier for a referral list that matches your child’s needs. For those who are seeking alternatives, here are some options:
The above list is not a comprehensive list of providers in Orange County and is not a formal referral from HBCSD. Please use discretion in selecting a mental health provider.
Emergency Resources
In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1
Emotional Wellness Resources
Self-Care Social Media Accounts
Like all forms of online information, the content and quality of the social media linked below may change over time. These accounts are provided as a resource only. Content should be reviewed regularly to determine appropriate use for individual needs.
- Meditation Apps for Kids
- Instagram:
- @dlcanxiety: Worlds largest anxiety support community that offers tools to help manage anxiety.
- @MySelfLoveSupply: This Instagram account offers tips and tricks to improve your mental health through self-care ideas, journaling prompts, quotes to remind you of positive things around you, and more.
- TikTok:
- @Lindsay.FlemingLPC: Fill your For You Page with creators that make you feel good! Lindsay Fleming is a licensed therapist who has blown up on TikTok, providing teens with a space to learn about mental health from a cool professional. Check out Lindsay’s account!
- YouTube:
- Psych Hub: Psych Hub brings mental health education to the world through engaging videos on their YouTube channel. The best part? Psych Hub uploads these inspiring and informative videos to their channel 5-6 times a week! Videos include tips for returning to the classroom, and how to deal with depression and anxiety.
FREE smartphone apps for download to support the emotional wellness of you and your student:
- Virtual Hope Box - (Android Apple)
- App designed to enhance and strengthen positive coping skills. Within the app there are games for distraction, relaxation techniques, and a section for inputting inspirational quotes or photos. You can also pick several contacts for "support" in case of any emergencies.
- MindShift - (Android Apple)
- App used to teach and educate about anxiety. The app can be tailored to each individual's needs in regards to situations that cause anxiety, symptoms of anxiety, and effective coping skills.
- HeadSpace - (Android Apple)
- App for guided meditation and mindfulness practice.
- Stop, Breathe, and Think - (Android Apple)
- App for check-ins on feelings and reminders to meditate and take breaks throughout the day.
- Sit With Us - (Android Apple)
- App designed to build kindness and inclusion in schools. The app was developed by a 16 year old girl that was a victim of severe bullying. Allows users to invite others to join them at lunch and make new friends.
- Happify - (Android Apple)
- App designed to create happiness and challenge negativity. Through use of games the user will learn many positive ways to conquer negative thinking and build stronger self-confidence.
- Sleep Cycle - (Android Apple)
- App designed to monitor how restful your sleep is.
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