Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child

In a study of statistics from 2021-2022 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every seven American children had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. Of these children, one-third had multiple diagnoses. If you think your child needs the care of mental health and wellness professionals, don’t wait. Talk with your child’s primary care provider to keep your child safe and healthy. Or reach out directly for pediatric mental health services.

Virtual Mental-Health Urgent Care for Kids

If your child is having a severe panic attack or other mental health crisis, every minute counts. Virtual Mental-Health Urgent Care for kids can provide immediate care.

With a call to the UR Medicine Crisis Call Line, your child can speak with a caring, compassionate professional who specializes in pediatric mental health. Simply call (585) 275-8686 to get care from wherever you are. The licensed mental health professional on our crisis line can make sure your child gets connected to the right level of care, including Virtual Mental-Health Urgent Care or a visit to the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Face-to-Face Urgent Mental Health Care

The Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center offers a team of pediatric experts, including:

Following your initial visit, it’s a good idea to follow up with your child’s therapist or other mental health professional. If you don’t have one, UR Medicine can connect you with an expert who meets your needs.

Signs Your Child Needs Mental Health Care

Children can have a hard time processing big emotions or life changes, so it can be difficult to know when to seek mental health care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health care may be beneficial for a young child who frequently experiences the following:

• Fears or worries

• Lack of desire to play with other children

• Difficulty sitting still

• Daytime sleepiness

• Excessive sleep or not sleeping enough

• Nightmares

• Headaches or stomach pains with no known cause

• Repetitive behaviors driven by a fear that something bad may happen

• Tantrums

Older children may exhibit or experience the following:

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Fear of weight gain

• Hearing voices or claiming someone is attempting to control their minds

• Cancelling plans with friends and seeking isolation

• Loss of interest in activities they enjoy

• Risky, destructive behaviors (including self-harm)

• Suicidal thoughts

• Use of cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol

Emergency Mental Health Care for Children

Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room anytime a child is at immediate risk for suicide, overdosing, or in danger of hurting themselves or others. Pediatric patients who come to UR Medicine with a mental health emergency receive treatment through our Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, where experts evaluate the child’s mental status. Together, the psychiatrist, patient, and identified family member(s) will determine next steps for treatment. Before discharging your child, the team will provide you with a personalized plan.

Crisis services not requiring medication or hands-on treatment can also take place at the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center or Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care through the patient portal MyChart. Crisis mental health care can also take place in your home. UR Medicine also offers a Mobile Crisis Team. This multidisciplinary team of experts meets young patients wherever they are—home, school, or anywhere else within Monroe County.

Remember, if you’re not sure what service you need, the Behavioral Health Crisis Call Line at (585) 275-8686 can direct you to the right level of care.