May is mental health awareness month and while the official Kids Mental Health Acceptance week has passed, we didn’t want to miss this opportunity to share local resources that offer support for families.  Mental health is a staple of human life; when you feel supported, accepted, and less alone, everything feels more manageable.  A green ribbon is the symbol of mental health month and you can wear one to show your support.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Local Mental Health Resources

— Geater Austin YMCA
In an effort to expand accessibility of mental health support services, in August the Y will begin providing direct, in-person, and tele-therapy mental health counseling at eight of its community centers in partnership with St. Edward’s and Texas State University. The programs will be offered at a low cost and on a sliding scale based on household income, and registration will open in July.

— NAMI Central Texas
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the country’s largest organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness.  Through its free mental health education, support, and advocacy programs, NAMI Central Texas impacts the lives of more than 21,000 people in the Austin Metro and surrounding counties.  Check out their 8 Week Family-to-Family workshops, and self-paced class for parents and caregivers of anyone with a loved one living with a mental health condition.

— Navigate Texas Life
This site offers resources for families raising children with disabilities.  Navigate Texas Life offers tons of info on insurance, education, transitioning to adulthood, and more.

—  Texas System of Care 
Texas System of Care provides a list of resources for mental health across Texas.  The resources on their page are specific to groups like young people, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC.

—  Waterloo Counseling Center
Waterloo Counseling Center is a nonprofit agency that provides affordable mental health counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, with specific expertise in serving the LGBTQ+ community, Spanish speakers, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Photo by Helena Lopes

Wellness Apps for Kids

— Headspace for Kids
According to Headspace, research shows meditation for kids can help them navigate their big feelings and improve their overall well-being.   Headspace has 11 exercises for kids and families to get kids acquainted with meditating from an early age, and help set them up for a lifetime of the benefits of meditation.  They also have ideas for starting mindfulness activities with kids here.

— Apart Of Me
This game was designed to help kids through hard times like the loss of a loved one.  It’s an app that aims to provide similar stories so kids feel less alone and to help them accept their feelings — even the tough ones — while providing a safe in-app world for healing.

— 3 Good Things
This journaling app reminds you to write down three positive things in your day, which research shows helps your brain to look toward the positive.  This app makes all the top lists of apps for kids and teens.

Photo by Anny Patterson

Keeping Busy

As we’re heading into summer, a break from early mornings can be a relief, but it can also be tough for kids to be out of their routine.  If you’re looking for ideas to keep busy, check out our list below.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Helplines and Hotlines