In recent years professionals have seen a rapid increase in the need for mental health services for children and teens. Social media is one reason for the increase in anxiety and depression in children along with the anxiety and isolation that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental health care is now becoming more normalized. “I think we’re seeing a shift in the right direction,” said Kate Bailen of Mental Health Collaborative, adding that not only is the stigma reduced but also there is greater recognition of the importance of early intervention; even in preschool.
Unfortunately, finding the right help for your child and family can still be a daunting task. As a therapist and past school counselor, Bailen recommends that parents first reach out to the school counselor when seeking support. They have information on resources that may best fit the needs of you and your child. Your child’s pediatrician may be a good initial resource, as well as NAMI (see below) that serves almost as a concierge for mental health services. As changing times have demanded it, the resources available have gradually been increasing.
Immediate Help In A Crisis
Harbor Mental Health Urgent Care
3909 Woodley Rd., Toledo
567-225-3969
A relatively new brick and mortar urgent care for adults and children experiencing a mental health crisis. No appointment necessary. Open Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK(8255)
Counselors are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CrisisCare Line (division of Zepf Center)
419-904-CARE (2273)
Local, trained crisis counselors are available to help with mental health emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Getting started: a family navigator
NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness (Toledo location)
4334 Secor Rd., Toledo
419-243-1119
This organization has two family navigators on staff who offer information and referrals, according to your needs. It can be overwhelming when trying to find the proper resources. They help families find the resources that best fit their needs; without charge. Among other services, they also offer family support groups and online parent education classes.
Grief counseling for children
440 S. Reynolds Rd. Suite D, Toledo
419-360-4939
Northwest Ohio’s only not-for-profit organization devoted to helping grieving children, ages 4-24, and their caregivers after the loss of a loved one. They also provide support in local schools.
Community Mental Health Organizations
The following organizations provide a wide range of services for children and teens. Several listed here are nonprofit, operating in reduced or sliding fee scales, and accept Medicaid.
3110 W. Central Ave., Suite A, Toledo
888-714-3162
This specialized therapeutic practice strictly serves children ages 8-17 and their families. They accept all major Ohio commercial insurance as well as Medicaid plans.
205 Ashland Ave., Toledo
419-841-7701
As a nonprofit organization, they offer many forms of assistance for ages 2-22 at several locations. Medicaid is accepted.
3909 Woodley Rd., Toledo
419-725-3330
A nonprofit organization that offers a variety of assistance programs from prevention services for children and teens to OhioRISE, which assists with care coordination. There are several locations in the area. Medicaid is accepted.
Various locations
A nonprofit organization that offers a variety of help for children and adults. Services are provided for uninsured and underinsured individuals as well.
Various locations
A Renewed Mind has merged with Ohio Guidestone. This private, not for profit organization provides children through adults with mental health services as well as substance abuse recovery and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder services. There is also a Perrysburg location.
Additional organizations & private practice
Several for profit companies are available locally for mental health services. As well, counseling services are provided through private practice.
The Cullen Center (Toledo Children’s Hospital)
2150 W. Central Ave., Level 2, Toledo
419-291-7919
As a member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), they specialize in helping children, teens and their families who have experienced traumatic events.
Various locations
A mental health collective that also offers adjunctive therapies. Many treatment modalities are offered, including play therapy.
The Mental Health Collaborative
4041 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite 202, Toledo
419-504-5624
They offer counseling as well as medication management, using a collaborative approach with everyone working together in one location.
Various locations
For children ages 4-12, they offer the unique Child Behavioral Specialists Program. Counseling as well as medication management is also offered.
Comprehensive Behavioral Health
2770 Centennial Ave. Bldg. 7, Toledo
419-794-0567
Among other services, they offer medication treatments for developmental disorders as well as childhood psychopharmacology.
5335 Silica Dr., Sylvania
419-882-4529
A sponsored ministry of St. Francis of Sylvania, they take a holistic approach to achieving inner health and well being through counseling and testing. Educational testing and consultation are among many services for children and families.
111 Clinton St., Maumee.
419-740-3022
Vital Health, a full service health center, offers various mental health services for children and adults. This summer they are holding a summer program providing mental and behavioral health support for children aged 7 to 17. The program is June 3–August 9, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Resources for parents
Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, and Wellness, LLC
112 E Dudley St., Maumee.
419-326-5732
This local resource offers support services specifically for women, teens (ages 15 and up) and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Counseling therapy is one of the many services they offer for these groups.
313 Jefferson Ave., Toledo.
419-255-7883
Moms & Babies First, managed through the Neighborhood Health Association, offers services and assistance with various aspects of life. Included in the long list of services are home visits, teaching moms about baby development and growth and referrals for support services.
