School students receiving mental health support from a behavioral health provider.

School Mental Health Supports: Help Your Child Navigate The Years Ahead

Mental health issues in schools have been on the rise, and, unfortunately, school-based mental health services aren’t always equipped to deal with the students’ needs. If you’re worried that your child is struggling with their behavioral health, it can be hard to know how to support them when they’re outside of the house for the majority of the school year.

While it takes a licensed mental health professional to make a diagnosis and design a treatment plan, it’s important to be aware of the state of mental health in schools and understand the warning signs of a child who is struggling with mental health issues.

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A young child and loved one smiling during a positive activity.

“I am Strong” – Using Positive Affirmations To Fuel a Child’s Mental Health

It’s natural to want the best for our children and ensure they are always happy and healthy. But, as their lives become increasingly complex, there are often times when they need a bit of extra support.

One way to help improve your child’s mental health is through positive affirmations – an effective tool that can be used to cultivate self-esteem in children while also creating strong social bonds and improving mental health.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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Teenager with a counselor in a psychotherapy session.

Taking a Look at the 5 Most Common Mental Health Disorders in Children

Mental health disorders in children are hard to detect because they often struggle to express their feelings. Understanding the common mental health challenges your child may face is the best way to support them as they navigate treatment and work to understand their emotions. Here are the 5 most common mental health disorders in children, along with their symptoms and treatment options.

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Integrated health care services available at Meridian.

What Does Integrated Healthcare Look Like in 2023?

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so does the concept of an integrated healthcare system. In 2023, integrated healthcare is poised to take on an increasingly important role in health care delivery, as healthcare providers seek to improve outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and contain costs.

The integration of physical and mental health care, emphasis on providing whole-person patient care, and the use of technology to facilitate communication among healthcare providers are just a few of the trends that are shaping the future of integrated healthcare.

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Child going through a mental health evaluation with a counselor.

What Is A Child Mental Health Evaluation? The Info You Need To Know

When your child struggles in school or at home, it can be difficult to know why. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help, so a qualified professional can offer the expert insight that you’re looking for into your child’s mental health needs.

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Caregiver talking with their child about mental health.

Understanding and Explaining Mental Health To A Child: Know the Signs & How To Help

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s repeat that together; mental health is just as important as physical health!

Now more than ever, parents and caregivers need to talk to their children about what it means to have good mental health. Mental illness is a serious condition that affects mood, thinking, and behavior. It can make it hard to do everyday tasks and enjoy life. So, how do you maintain an open line of communication with your kids? Here are some ways to get the conversation started when it comes to explaining the importance of mental health to your child. Read more

Meridian HealthCare withdrawal management program (detox) facility.

9 Types of Behavioral Health Therapy to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health

Children have a lot of feelings swirling around, whether or not a mental health condition is present — and it can often be hard for them to express things clearly. Mental health services provide helpful tools for children so that they can learn the skills needed for regulating their emotions. 

If your child is struggling with behavior issues, such as anger management or tantrums, there are many effective types of behavioral health therapy for kids.

*If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Read more

Residential treatment facility at Meridian.

Can You Prevent Your Children From Inheriting Addiction Problems?

Addiction is a complex disease that can be difficult to overcome, and unfortunately prevention is never guaranteed. It often runs in families, and unfortunately, children of addicts are at a higher risk of developing addiction problems themselves. But does this mean that addiction is hereditary? And are there steps you can take to TRY to prevent your child from inheriting your addiction? 

[FREE GUIDE] If you’re concerned that someone you care about may be struggling with addiction, download our guide to find resources and help today!

Disclaimer: Addiction looks different for everyone. This article will make general statements about addiction and is not meant to diagnose or suggest treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact a treatment center

*If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Read more

Child mental health counselor talking with an adolescent.

Understanding Adolescent and Children’s Mental Health Statistics

As a parent or guardian, it’s natural to worry about your child’s health, and it can be scary when you start noticing signs of a mental health struggle in your son or daughter.

Current child mental health statistics show that mental health disorders are more common than you may realize. (In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly half of all adolescents experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.) It’s important to seek help when you notice emotional distress, because in many cases, these issues can be part of a larger problem. Every single day, young children and adolescents are treated for mental illnesses — and successfully. There is help out there!

*If you think your child might have a mental health disorder, do not self-diagnose. Instead, reach out to a mental health care provider.

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