The Many Faces of Youth Mental Health
HSS SAW 46%
MORE YOUTH in our mental health counseling program in the first quarter of this fiscal year than ever before.
What kind of mental health concerns are the children of our community facing?
We see youth who are dealing with a variety of concerns, from depression and anxiety related to school and family issues, to kids who are contemplating suicide in elementary school. Mental illness looks different in every child.
As the number of youth who need our help grows, we are responding by providing:
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On-site counselors in schools
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Youth Mental Health First Aid classes
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Outpatient counseling for youth ages 5+
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24/7 crisis support for youth
Our young people are facing a mental health crisis and it’s up to us to help them navigate these difficult times - not only for their personal well-being, but for our future as a community.
As the largest provider of mental and behavioral health services in Monroe County, HSS is seeing an unprecedented spike in the need for outpatient counseling, in-school counseling and crisis response.
At HSS, we work hard every day to erase the stigma associated with getting mental health care, and strive to meet children where they are by partnering with local school districts and having counselors at school. Still, it is not enough to address this growing issue.
With children, one of the biggest challenges for caregivers is determining when there is a mental health issue.
Is it teen angst or depression? Does my child just hate school or is it anxiety?
Early intervention and timely services provided by HSS are essential. The answers are not simple, and unfortunately, many children don’t know how to ask for help.
If we do not address the growing mental health needs of our children, it will impact our entire community for generations to come. We, as a community, have a responsibility to help our children now.