Mental Health Emergency and Crisis Resources
In the event of an emergency, suicidal or other mental health crisis (suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, physical aggression, or concern for your safety or the safety of your child), please call:
- 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are unable to transport yourself or your child safely, please contact 911 and ask for PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team).
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK. Spanish line: 888-628-9454; TTY: 800-799-4TTY (4889). You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Overview
Rady Children’s understands the importance of mental health care as a crucial part of the health of the whole child. We offer a full range of services for emotional and behavioral well-being, from family and group therapy to acute care hospitalization.
Our programs are designed for children, youth and families to address challenges related to depression and suicidality, mood problems, anxiety, traumatic stress, attention deficits, hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, eating disorders, substance-related mental health problems and other mental health concerns. Expert and compassionate care is provided by highly skilled professionals, who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families.
Our Team
Our team includes board-certified and board-licensed child and adolescent psychiatrists and pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional clinical counselors, as well as psychiatric nurses, alcohol and drug counselors, child life specialists, recreational therapists and case managers.
These health professionals work closely with each patient’s primary physician and other health care and community professionals who may be important to each child’s well-being, including physician specialists, teachers, wraparound teams and other behavioral support specialists.
Our Children’s Behavioral Health Services
Our behavioral health team works across all care settings, including the hospital, clinic and school.
A variety of family-inclusive services for integrative care are offered at the Hospital and other health care settings. If your child is admitted frequently, the team can be a consistent support, providing you and your child with continuity and supporting you in considering treatment options for your child. Our Hospital behavioral health services also include emergency inpatient programs. Learn about our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (CAPS), Medical Behavioral Unit and Child Life Services.
In our behavioral health clinics, in schools and in the community, children can be followed regularly and receive ongoing mental health support and symptom management, as well as continuity and coordination of care. Our clinicians and case managers are available for some patients who have Educationally Related Mental Health Supports in a number of schools in San Diego County. Learn about our outpatient psychiatry clinics, Behavioral Health Urgent Care and Chadwick Center for Children and Families.
Find the right program for you or your child.
Video: Music Helps Kids Struggling With Mental Health Challenges
Support Our Program
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gift benefits Rady Children’s.
To donate, click the link below and select Mental Health Services from the Gift Designation Drop-down menu: