Behavioral Health Resources for Children, Adolescents & Teens

Children, adolescents and teenagers react to stress in different ways depending on their age. They have less experience developing ways to cope and are at particular risk during stressful times.

You can be the difference in getting them the help they need by recognizing stress reactions, modeling coping skills and providing support and communication. 

Pay attention, be a good listener and let them ask questions.

Crisis Services

• 911: Emergency/Police/EMS. Call 911 if you or a loved one are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including thoughts of harm or suicide.
• 988: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  • 24/7 free, confidential emotional support
  • (English) https://988lifeline.org/
  • (Español) https://988lifeline.org/es/home/
• The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS)
  
  • 24-hour Crisis Helpline: 210-223-SAFE (7233)
  • Crisis Mobile Outreach Team: 210-223-SAFE (7233); Provides on-site evaluations in the community.
• Battered Women & Children’s Shelter Crisis Line: 210-733-8810
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  
  • National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline: (Toll free English/Español) 1-800-985-5990

Outpatient Treatment Services

If your child has a pediatrician or primary care provider, share your concerns with them.

• Bexar County Department of Behavioral Health: 210-335-0764
• The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS): call intake 210-261-3350; (Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm).
• San Antonio Council on Alcohol & Drug Awareness (SACADA): 210-225-4741
• Autism Community Network: 210-435-1000
• Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas: 210-736-4847 (counseling for loss of a loved one)
• Family Service Association: 210-299-2400 (counseling and other services)
• Rise Recovery: 210-227-2634 (treatment for alcohol and drug disorders)

Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Services for Children

• Clarity Child Guidance Center:210-616-0300, 8535 Tom Slick
• Laurel Ridge Treatment Center: 210-491-9400, 17720 Corporate Woods Dr.
• San Antonio Behavioral Health Hospital: 210-541-5300, 8550 Huebner Rd.

Things to Look For

(Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Infants and Toddlers, 0 to 2 years old

• May sense when caregiver/parent is upset
• May show same emotions as their caregiver
• Cry for no reason, withdraw from people, do not play with toys
• Want to be held/cuddled more

Children, 3 to 5 years old

• Fear, worry, become clingy, cry, scream, have temper tantrums
• Have problems sleeping, nightmares
• Have return of previous behaviors of bedwetting, thumb sucking or fear of the dark

Children, 6 to 10 years old

• Withdraw from others/friends or activities
• Sudden outbursts or being aggressive
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Fear, worry, feel sad or anxious
• Become irritable
• Do poorly in school
• May act younger asking to be fed or dressed by a parent/caregiver

Youth and Adolescents, 11 to 17 years old

• May have similar reactions to those of 6-to-10-year olds
• May also have sudden, upsetting memories, engage in risky behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol
• May have anxiety when hearing and reading about infectious disease spread/outbreak
• May respond “I’m okay” or with silence when upset
• May have physical aches or pains
• May start arguments, resist authority