Supporting your child’s mental health: Guidance from our behavioral health care team

As parents, few things feel more challenging than watching your child struggle with their mental health. The questions can feel overwhelming: Is this normal? Should I be worried? Where do I even start?

We asked our behavioral health care managers — professionals who hold independent clinical licenses in behavioral health and nursing — to share their most important advice for parents navigating their children’s mental health. Here’s what they want you to know.

“My biggest suggestion is that parents believe them. Simply take your child’s word for their struggles; don’t dismiss or brush them under the rug.” – Licensed clinical social worker

When a child opens up about their mental health, how parents respond matters more than they may realize. The goal isn’t to have all the answers, it’s to let them know their feelings matter.

“Research shows that children who feel heard by their parents are more likely to continue seeking support when they need it,” says Dr. Mike Franz, executive medical director of behavioral health for Regence. “This doesn’t mean every concern requires immediate clinical intervention. But it does mean that keeping those lines of communication open can be an important protective factor for a child’s long-term mental health.”

“It’s completely normal to be challenged by child and adolescent development. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” – Licensed clinical social worker

Child and adolescent development is complex. Brains are still forming. Hormones are shifting. Social pressures are intense. Add in the unique challenges of today’s world — social media, academic pressure, tight schedules, global uncertainty — and it’s no wonder both kids and parents can feel stretched thin.

“Reaching out for professional guidance demonstrates to your child that mental health matters, that getting support is normal, and that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help them thrive,” says Dr. Franz.

“Many parents don’t realize their health plan includes free Care Management services specifically designed to support families navigating pediatric mental health challenges.” – Licensed clinical social worker

The easiest way to begin is by reaching out to Customer Service. Call the number on the back of your member ID card and we can help you navigate the rest. Our care managers can help you understand your options, connect you with the right providers and support your family throughout the process.

When to seek professional support

You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth exploring. Dr. Franz shares a few signs that it might be time to reach out for help:

• Persistent changes in behavior, like increased sadness, that last more than two weeks
• Withdrawal from being social or from activities they used to enjoy
• Significant changes in sleep, weight, appetite or energy levels
• Struggling to keep up at school, home or with friends
• Intense anxiety or worry that interferes with daily life
• Extreme mood swings or emotional reactions
• Talk of self-harm or not wanting to be alive (If this happens, seek help immediately. Call or text 988.)

Your partner in behavioral health care

We’ve built a comprehensive network of pediatric behavioral health services with young people and their families in mind. Whether your child needs therapy, psychiatric care or support for a specific condition, we have options to help.

Bend Health (For members ages 1–25)
Virtual mental health care services include psychiatric urgent care, neuropsychological testing, intensive outpatient programming, coaching, therapy and psychiatry.

Charlie Health (For members ages 8–64)
Virtual outpatient treatment for depression, anxiety and excessive worry, school avoidance, eating disorders and substance use disorder, with specialized tracks for LGBTQ+, trauma and more.

Equip (For members of all ages and their families)
Holistic support for eating disorders through virtual family-based treatment (FBT). Five-person care teams include a therapist, family member, peer mentor, medical provider and dietitian.

NOCD (For members ages 5 and older)
Specialized Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder through live video sessions with licensed, specialized therapists.

Headway (For members ages 1 and older)
Connects your child with licensed therapists virtually or in person, depending on location. Providers specialized in anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, grief or loss and more.

Rula (Therapy for members ages 5 and older; psychiatry for members 13 and older)
Schedule appointments in less than three minutes for virtual treatment including individual therapy to help build confidence, manage stress and improve relationship dynamics, family therapy, plus psychiatry and medication management.

Grow Therapy (For members ages 6 and older)
Connects your child with licensed therapists for virtual or limited in-person therapy. Providers specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders and medication management.

Talkspace (Therapy for members 13 and older)
A range of virtual mental health treatment options including online therapy, coaching and self-help tools to manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Meru Health (For members ages 13 and older)
A 12-week virtual therapy program with licensed therapists for anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Need help getting started? 

Call us at the number on the back of your member ID card or sign in to regence.com to explore your mental health benefits and find a provider who’s right for your family.