Children’s Mental Health 101

The Association for Children’s Mental Health has created responses to common questions and concerns raised by families who have a child experiencing mental health challenges. Example topics include: “mental health warning signs” and “common diagnoses, treatments and supports. They also include links to other resources and tools families may find useful. Call 517-372-4016 for more information.

Fact Sheets on Mental Illness: NAMI

The Grand Traverse National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has fact sheets with information on different types of mental illness and treatment approaches. Crisis Line: 988 Non-Crisis Line: (231) 944-8448

Kids, Teens, and Young Adults – NAMI Grand Traverse

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Kids, Teens, and Young Adults page provides mental health support and guidance for young people and their families. It includes age-specific information, tips for recognizing mental health conditions, resources for parents and caregivers, and tools for finding care and support at home or school. The page aims to encourage early help, reduce stigma, and connect people with support and crisis resources. Have a mental health crisis? Call 988 Non-Crisis Line: (231) 944-8448

Mental Health Matters: Make it Ok

Mental health conditions are just that — health conditions. They are not character flaws, sources of shame or something to be hidden away. When we understand that they’re treatable conditions, we are better able to seek needed services and supports and show up for others in a more informed and compassionate way. Make it OK’s website includes information on mental health and mental illnesses. Call 988 for the crisis line.

Mental Health Screening

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to see what mental health symptoms you or a family member might be experiencing. Mental Health America offers a variety of screening tools that are free, quick, confidential, and backed up by science. Understanding what symptoms mean is the first step towards recovery. Call 988 for the crisis line.

How Parents Can Support Structure

Newport Academy provides guidelines for teens experiencing mental health struggles and suggestions of how to support them. Crisis Line: 988

I’m Worried About My Child – What are the Warning Signs of Mental Illness?

The Department of Health and Human Services provides the early warning signs of mental illness and provides a comprehensive list of resources for families. Crisis Line: 988

When Your Teen Won’t Accept Help: What Can You Do?

Watching your teen struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues is difficult. But when they won’t accept help, it can be stressful for you and the whole family. How do you persuade them to engage in therapy or treatment? This webpage form the Newport Academy includes answers to that question and also high discusses the signs of mental illness. Crisis Line: 988

Child Mind Institute Family Resource Center

The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families experiencing mental health and learning disorders. On their website you will find information and resources to help you support children who are struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges. For general inquiries call 212-308-3118.

Facts for Families

While every child is unique and special, sometimes they encounter emotions, feelings or behavior that cause problems in their lives and the lives of those around them. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Facts for Families provide concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.

Parent Guidance: Workshops for Parents

Parent Guidance is a national organization that offers free and fee-based education and therapeutic support to empower and give you hope as you support your child’s mental health. Check out their library of educational videos on a range of topics. Crisis Line: 988

Parents Medication Guides

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has parent medication guides for various mental health challenges. You can access these guides on this website.

Mental Health America: Youth resources for parents

Knowledge helps parents and caregivers identify signs and symptoms of mental health issues early on, and the earlier mental health concerns are addressed, the better the outcomes. Mental Health America has gathered resources to help parent’s foster mental well-being, get familiar with the issues young people are facing, recognize problems, have conversations, and understand treatment options. Crisis Line: 988

Addiction Treatment Services

If you or someone you love suffers from substance use disorder or other behavioral health issues, Addiction Treatment Services can help. From acute detox and residential rehab programs to recovery homes and long-term outpatient & mental health services, we’re here with the safe support you need to work through the root of your addiction and find your own recovery lifestyle. Call 800-622-4810 for more information.

Catholic Human Services

Catholic Human Services provides mental health and substance use counseling to help individuals navigate a range of life’s challenges including anxiety, depression, loss, relationship challenges, mental health, or substance use concerns. Their licensed therapists work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels and provide individual, couples, families and or group therapy services in person or via teletherapy.Crisis Line: 988, Non-crisis line: (231) 947-8110

Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan

Child and Family Service’s licensed therapists provide individual and family counseling in person or virtually, on a variety of issues to people of all ages. In addition, the Behavioral Health program provides SafeHaven, a supervised visitation and safe exchange program for families affected by domestic violence or high conflict. 1-855-444-3911

Infant Mental Health – Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) provides home-based parent-infant support and intervention services. These services are offered when a parent’s life circumstances or the characteristics of the infant threaten the parent-infant attachment and, by extension, the child’s social, emotional and cognitive development. Call their Access Line at (800) 492-5742 to learn more about and access these services.

Local Behavioral Health Providers and Related Services

NAMI Grand Traverse created this list of behavioral health providers and related services and supports in the Grand Traverse region.

Munson Behavioral Health Services

Munson Behavioral Health Services has skilled professionals who are specialists in the identification and treatment of behavioral and substance abuse disorders. They work with you to determine the right type and level of care to restore health, well-being, and a sense of worth. They can help give you the insights and tools to better cope with life’s challenges — now and for the future. Call 231-935-5000 for more information.

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) serves people with serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders living. To learn more and to access their services, call their Access line (800) 492-5742.

Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. (NMHSI)

Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc provides low-cost health and behavioral health services to individuals with or without insurance. Interpretation and transportation supports are also available, and Medicaid and Michigan Health Plans are accepted. Whether you have health insurance or not, everyone is welcome here. Call 231-947-0351 for more information.

Peace Ranch

Peace Ranch provides Professional Equine Assisted Counseling & Education (PEACE) for all in need regardless of ability to pay assisted by our herd in process of recovery. They offer EAGALA Model Mental Health Services which incorporate horses for emotional growth and learning. Call 231-499-4736 for more information.

Pine Rest in Traverse City

Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic provides Northern Michigan residents with quality mental health and behavioral health services both in person and through teletherapy with Michigan-licensed clinicians. Services include counseling, therapy and psychiatric services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. (866)-852-4001, For after-hours emergencies, please call the Pine Rest Contact Center at (616) 455-9200 or (800) 678-5500

Student Health Center | Traverse City Area Public Schools

Through a partnership with Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc (NMHSI) the Student Health Center provides convenient and affordable primary care and behavioral health services to TCAPS students ages 3-21. The TCAPS Student Health Center is open year-round and is always accepting new patients. Call (231) 642-5291 for more information.

Student Support Network | Traverse City Area Public Schools

The TCAPS’ Student Support Network (SSN) provides free, supportive, education-related services and non-academic support to all students to help overcome obstacles that may create barriers to learning. TCAPS students and families can request assistance by completing the Student Support Form , or send an mail to Katie Kubesh for services and support.

Support Groups – NAMI Grand Traverse

NAMI Grand Traverse offers support groups for parents of individuals experiencing mental health challenges and groups for people with mental health conditions. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders with lived experience

Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center

At the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, we provide a safe, supportive space for children and families affected by abuse. Free therapy is available to children who have participated in their Intervention services, non-offending caregivers, parents and siblings. Call 231-929-4250 for more information.

Traverse Health Clinic

Traverse Health Clinic provides low-cost health and behavioral health services to individuals with or without insurance. Interpretation and transportation supports are also available, and Medicaid and Michigan Health Plans are accepted. Whether you have health insurance or not, everyone is welcome here. Call 231-935-0799 for more information.

Women’s Resource Center

The Women’s Resource Center offers crisis counseling to women who have experienced dating or domestic violence. 24-Hour Help and Information Line at 231-347-0082, 800-275-1995 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Youth Health and Wellness Center

Located on the Campus of the Career Tech Center, the Youth Health and Wellness Center provides general medical and mental health services to youth. All services are charged on a sliding scale based on your income. They accept all insurance including Medicaid. If you want to learn more or schedule an appointment, call (231) 922-6416.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center

The Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center brings 24/7/365 Crisis intervention, stabilization services, psychiatric urgent care and support under one roof in a physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe environment that promotes healing, wellness, and growth. The crisis center welcomes all people, all ages, and all forms of insurance (copay’s and deductibles will apply for those with insurance). The Center is located at 410 Brook Street Traverse City, MI 49684. You can also call the Crisis Center at 231-213-1050 or their Crisis phone screening line at (1-833-295-0616).

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Crisis Services line at 1-833-295-0616 at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Center. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (711 TTY) services are available to any person of any age experiencing a crisis, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Accessing Mental Health Services for My Child

The Association for Children’s Mental Health providers answers and offers resources/tools to help families understand their child’s mental health challenges, understand treatment options, and access services. Call 517-372-4016 for more information.

National Federation of Families: Resources for Navigating Services

This website includes suggestions on how families can navigate mental health services for their child/loved one.

Recovery Information and Supports: NAMI

Recovery from serious mental illness is not only possible, but for many people living with mental illness today, probable. When someone has a mental health condition, support from family can make a big difference. Check out this website to learn more about recovery and how you can support and nurture the recovery of your loved one living with a mental health condition. NAMI Your Affiliate’s Information Line Phone: 999-555-1212 (not a crisis line)

Caring for your Mind

Love your Mind’s website has resources to help you explore how you are feeling and how to take care of your emotions.

Promoting Positive Experiences

HOPE stands for Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. It’s a powerful way to understand how simple, loving, everyday moments can shape your baby’s future. When parents, caregivers, and communities focus on creating positive experiences, they help children grow stronger, healthier, and happier. This website highlights ways to nurture positive experiences with your newborn.

Social Emotional Development in Young Children: MSU Extension

A child’s social and emotional skills, including the regulation of his or her emotions, capacity to solve problems and ability to interact with others have been identified as key factors in long-term academic and life success. MSU Extension offers trainings for parents and caregivers on topics such as positive discipline, mindfulness, play-based learning, and other social and emotional skill development.

Tools to Thrive

Make it OK has developed this pocket guide to feeling well. It includes tips for promoting resilience, feeling positive, and reducing stress.

What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health

Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. This webpage from Mental Health America provides information on how to promote your child’s positive mental health and the warning signs to look out for.