Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign

It’s easy to know your child needs help dealing with a fever or a broken bone, but mental health problems can be harder to identify. 

You may be surprised to learn that: 

 1 in 5 children experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year, yet only 20% are identified and receive treatment. 

 1 in 9 youth aged 13-18 experience a substance use disorder, yet only 7% receive services. 

The tricky part of parenting is knowing the kinds of behaviors and moods that are usual for the stage of development your child is in – and when your child needs help. 

Visit www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org to learn: 

 what to do if your child needs help, 

 where to go for help, or 

 how to access a wealth of free children’s mental health resources. 

About the Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign: 

The Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign is a collaboration of the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Maryland Coalition of Families with support from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – Behavioral Health Administration. 

The Campaign goal, with more than 300 Community and School Champions across the state, is to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health, and to connect parents and community members with resources. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in Maryland is celebrated May 1-7. Visit www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org to learn more or to get involved.