Half of all lifetime mental illness begin by age 14; yet, in any given year, just 20 percent of children get the help they need. Acting early can make the difference now and later in life. The Department of Behavioral Health provides a range of services that include prevention, early identification, and evidence-based treatment practices proven to improve a child’s daily functioning at school, at home or in the community. To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, DBH is hosting activities that support the mental wellness of children and youth and their families.
Healthy Futures Social-Emotional Stories
Young children and families can listen to stories read by the Healthy Futures team. The stories are appropriate for young children and focus on social-emotional learning. Click here https://bit.ly/3y9Bxxk
Wellness Wednesdays
Licensed clinicians facilitate a virtual support group for parents and caregivers each Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Date: Topic:
May 5, 2021 - Mental Emotional Reset
May 12, 2021 - Full Body Tune-Up
May 19, 2021 - Planning for Emotional Wellness
May 26, 2021 - Emotional Well-Being: ‘Tips’ from Tucker the Turtle
Click here for English: https://bit.ly/2Kr4PDk
Password: WW20
Click here for Spanish: https://bit.ly/2Ie8aoQ
Contraseña:SPWW20
Mental Health Awareness Discussions
Join us on Instagram live on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. to talk about issues that matter to you and learn strategies to strengthen mental wellness. Visit @DBHRecoversDC IG Live
| Date | Topic |
| May 4, 2021 | Self-Care |
| May 6, 2021 | Healing and Self-Love |
| May 11, 2021 | Wellness in Motion |
| May 13, 2021 | Self-Regulation (Managing Big Emotions) |
| May 18, 2021 | Grief and Loss |
| May 20, 2021 | Coping Skills (Filling your Toolbox) |
| May 25, 2021 | Adapting to a New World |
| May 27, 2021 | The New Normal |
Teen Summit
A one-day Teen Summit will be held during the week of May 24-28 in participating schools with school-based clinicians. The Summits will be led by clinicians and students, focus on mental health topics such as identifying mental health concerns and reducing stigma, and provide students with mental health resources for them and their families at their schools and in the community.
Mental Health Awareness Poster Contest
School-based clinicians in twenty-two public schools will engage students to explore their thoughts and feelings about mental health through creating posters. Each school will select three winners who will get gift cards. Posters will be shown on social media.
Stuart Hobson MS Ron Brown HS
Friendship Blow Pierce PCS Wilson HS
Jefferson MS DCI
Moten ES Kelly Miller MS
EL Haynes PCS Takoma EC
Miner ES SELA PCS
Inspired Teaching PCS Walker Jones EC
Patterson ES Thomas ES
Munde Verde PCS Amidon ES
Two Rivers PCS Brown EC
Stanton ES Malcolm X ES
DBH Child, Youth and Family Services
It is estimated that as many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and require treatment. Children and adolescents who use alcohol and drugs at an early age are more likely to face problems with substance use as adults. Further, young people suffering from trauma are at a higher risk for drug or alcohol use. Addressing the emotional challenges can foster healing and growth while using substances as a coping mechanism can lead to longer-term health issues.
The Department of Behavioral Health is building a system of care for children, youth and their families that supports prevention and early identification of behavioral health needs and provides community-based treatment and supports that can meet multiple and changing needs. We are guided by the principles that services must be easy to access, culturally and linguistically competent, and family-driven and youth-guided. Through early intervention and treatment, children and youth with emotional and behavioral needs can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.