We’re Here for Your Family
Resources
While only one child may carry a diagnosis, navigating serious mental health challenges is a family-wide experience. We are here to ensure that while one child receives care, the rest of the family—especially siblings—also receives dedicated support.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Our Growing Library
We are working to gather the most helpful tools for Oklahoma’s families. Soon, you will find information here regarding:
Age-Appropriate Support
Tailored resources for talking to children and teens about mental health and addressing the needs of every sibling in the home.
Community and Respite Care
Connections to trusted Oklahoma-based initiatives that provide parents and other caregivers with much-needed support.
Parental Wellness
Resources specifically designed for caregivers, focusing on stress management and finding local groups for parents on similar paths.
Building Resilient Households
Guidance and advice on fostering positive family bonding and “normalcy” in the midst of navigating mental health challenges.
Gaining More Clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
When you are navigating complex mental health systems and diagnoses, it’s normal to have more questions than answers—but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We’ve gathered a few common starting points to help support your family.
How do I support my other children when one child is in a crisis?
When one child is in a mental health crisis, their siblings may feel the weight of it, too. You can support them by having open, honest conversations at a level they can understand and making sure they have their own dedicated time and space to ask questions and process their emotions.
What is SED?
Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) is a term used for children and youth under 18 who are navigating significant mental health challenges that interfere with their daily lives. This isn’t just a temporary rough patch; it involves conditions like severe anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder that may make it difficult for a child to succeed in school, manage emotions at home, or maintain relationships with others.
What is SMI?
Serious Mental Illness (SMI) refers to a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in adults (18+) that causes serious functional impairment, such as major depressive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions can substantially interfere with a person’s ability to go to school or work, maintain relationships, or carry out the daily activities that many people take for granted.
What is respite care? How can it help my family?
Respite care offers short-term relief for primary caregivers. It provides a temporary break where your child is cared for in a safe, supportive environment, giving you a space to recharge, attend to your own well-being, or spend one-on-one time with your other children. As a result, this “helping hand” for parents can help reduce caregiver burnout and strengthen the long-term stability of the entire family unit.
Connect With Us
If you have any questions or would like to suggest additional resources, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, and we are ready to support you and your family.