May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and May 3-9 is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. The past year, discussions about mental health issues entered the realm of public discussion, breaking stigmas, as celebrities and politicians took to the internet to speak about their experiences and struggles—many of which have come to light due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health issues can be extraordinarily isolating, and even as we fight against the stigma of speaking up on these issues, lack of public education can make it difficult for families to find the help they need for their children.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists play a crucial role in society, tending to the mental health of youth, supporting communities in times of disaster, responding to traumatic events, and so much more. All of this helps keep our communities happy, healthy, and safe, and AACAP is proud to represent the child & adolescent psychiatry community.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have compiled a series of resources for families looking to learn more about mental health help. 

Learning About Mental Illness

• Hear stories from young people about their battles with mental illness, learn what’s myth and what’s fact, find youth organizations, and more on AACAP’s Learning about Mental Illness Page.
  
• The Need for More Mental Health Care Providers: AACAP Releases Workforce Maps Illustrating Severe Shortage of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

Facts for Families

• Facts for Families • Advocating For Your Child
  
• Facts for Families • Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
• Facts for Families • Continuum of Mental Health Care
• Facts for Families • Finding Mental Healthcare for Children of Immigrants
• Facts for Families • Mental Health Insurance
• Facts for Families • Mental Illness in Families
• Facts for Families • Normal or Not: When to Get Help
• Facts for Families • Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Definition
• Facts for Families • Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Different Types
• Facts for Families • Talking To Kids About Mental Illnesses
• Facts for Families • What is a Psychiatric Emergency?
• Facts for Families • When To Seek Help For Your Child
• Facts for Families • Where To Find Help For Your Child
• Facts for Families •  Working with Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in the Digital Age

Find a full list of AACAP’s Facts for Families here.

Resource Centers

• Anxiety Disorders Resource Center
• Depression Resource Center
• Suicide Resource Center

Find the full list of AACAP Resource Centers here. 

Other Resources and Peer Organizations

• Youth.gov
• Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network
• Mental Health America
  
• NAMI
• American Psychiatric Association