Child and Teen Mental Health

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Children's and teens' mental health is as important to their well-being as their physical health.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General in any given year about 20% of children in the country have a diagnosable mental illness and more than 7.5 million American children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with their day-to-day life.

If you're concerned about your child's mental health, start with the Mental Wellness Checklist to learn more about what is typical behavior and for some simple things to try that might help.

If your child has symptoms of mental illness it is important to seek treatment. Mental illness in children and adolescents is treatable. Early identification and intervention is important to ensure the best outcome for your child. With the appropriate treatment many children can make a full recovery or their illness and symptoms can be controlled so they live fully functioning lives. For potential warning signs that your child may need help, click here.

Local Resources

Ventura County Behavioral Health
Mental health & substance use treatment services
Countywide – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
Call Toll-free • Confidential • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Crisis and Referral Line
    1-866-998-2243 
  • Early Detection & Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis 
    1-866-998-2243

211 Ventura County
Free service connecting people to health and human services in the community
Countywide – All Ages
www.211ventura.org
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211

Clinicas del Camino Real
Healthcare, including mental health services
Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura – All Ages
www.clinicas.org
(866) 885-7900

Interface
Support and resources, including youth shelter and housing referrals
Countywide – Children & Youth
icfs.org
(
805) 485-6114

Kids & Families Together 
For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers
Countywide – Children & Youth
www.kidsandfamilies.org
(805) 643-1446

Logrando Bienestar
Mental health screenings 
Santa Paula, Oxnard – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
(
805) 973-5220

Project Esperanza
Family classes & activities
Santa Paula & Fillmore – Youth
www.guadalupechurchsp.com
(805) 276-7671

United Parents
Local support and referrals for parents
Countywide – Youth
www.unitedparents.org
(805) 384-1555

Ventura County SELPA
Helping your child succeed at school
www.vcselpa.org
(805) 437-1560