A national mental health crisis has been growing for several years. Teens are grappling with a lot of large-scale societal issues they can’t control. Climate change, school shootings and social unrest are just a few of the top drivers of anxiety and depression in teens. Many are grieving loved ones and life milestones lost during the pandemic. A national shortage of care providers means many teens are still waiting for treatment. With long wait lists and few public resources, a lot of parents are unsure of how to help their kids.

California is one of the states taking an aggressive approach to solving these widespread problems. Keep reading to learn more about the teen mental health crisis in our state and what you can do to help your child.

What should parents know about the youth mental health crisis?

Learning about the systemic issues affecting your children will help you empathize with them. When you understand their concerns and the realities of these situations, you can help them manage their emotions. Let your teen know that their feelings about the unknown and systemic injustice are valid. Also, make sure they have the time and resources to process overwhelming feelings.

It’s not always obvious to parents when a teen is dealing with severe challenges. You should get an understanding of the mental health conditions affecting teens and what the symptoms can look like. Teens can be very good at masking difficult feelings, and their behaviors may seem like other issues on the surface. You can only find out what’s really going on with your child by establishing trust — and asking for updates often.

Systemic problems with access to care are still creating roadblocks. Even so, our state government has invested in some new solutions that families and teens can use right now. Learn about the state and local resources available and share them with your child. There are some things closer to home that you can help with, too. Checking in with your teen often and reminding them that you won’t judge them for their struggles will go a long way.

How does California compare to the rest of the country?

California ranks 28th out of 51 states (including the District of Columbia) in access to care for youth experiencing mental illness. Mental health issues have grown a lot in recent years: Suicide rates for kids ages 10 to 18 increased 20% between 2019 and 2020; 284,000 young people are coping with major depression in our state alone, and 66% don’t receive treatment.

But things are improving. Governor Gavin Newsom launched a $4.7 billion Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health in 2022. This multifaceted plan addresses the provider shortage, behavioral health infrastructure, coverage and public awareness. Last year, $30.5 million in grants was awarded to 63 organizations to support youth mental health through community and evidence-based practices. Many of these new resources are already up and running.

What can I do to support my teen’s mental health?

If your teen ever needs treatment, helping them navigate mental health care will be crucial. But the most influential things you can do start right now. As a family, you can embrace values that will help them later in life. Wherever you are with your own mental health, you can always choose to start improving. Leading by example will help you establish trust and respect.

Here are some more ways you can support your teen’s mental health:

• It’s true that kids learn more from what you do than what you tell them. Managing your own emotions and creating a safe home environment are two of the most important ways you can support your child.
• Let your teen know you care about their mental well-being and they’re not alone. It may seem like some of these things go without saying, but they need reminders.
• The foundations of mental wellness are things that take a lifetime to learn. Start talking with your teen about the expectations they have for themselves. You can help them develop emotional resilience and self-compassion. Boundary setting and independence skills will also serve them throughout their life. 
• Prepare for mental health conversations with your teen by doing some research. Make sure the sources you’re looking at are backed by clinical evidence. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Child Mind Institute’s Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Project videos are great places to start.
• Get familiar with state and local resources that can provide services in real time. In California, teens can access help lines, crisis centers, a free coaching app and more — any time of day.
• Your child will probably have some questions for you before they’re ready to talk with a professional. Learn about mental health treatment options, if possible, before they’re needed.
• If you know your child has a mental health condition, learn everything you can. Check out our guides on how to support teens with self-harm behaviors, social anxiety, depression, and both anxiety and depression.

Consider Lightfully Teen for higher-level mental health care

Parents and families have important roles in each teen’s treatment. You’re not alone in this, either. Parents are welcome to participate in family therapy sessions at Lightfully.

We offer three comprehensive program options for teens. We also host support groups for clients and the people who love them. Getting involved with our care community can be a great source of hope, connection and support for the whole family.

Have any questions? Contact us or get in touch with our Admissions Concierge Team to set up an assessment. We can’t wait to meet you.