The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

LIVING NOW

Resources to help children through challenges in life

Sometimes it can feel like the world is upside down

Times like this can be especially hard for kids who need extra support for their mental, behavioral and emotional health. The experts at Children’s Minnesota offer all kinds of resources for parents to help their children cope.

Need to talk to a professional?

A change in your child’s behaviors that last for a few days or several weeks can be a sign to contact us for help. These behaviors might be trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or having a hard time getting up.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911.

Virtual and in-clinic visits

These visits are billed through insurance. Call your preferred clinic for more information on what suits your child’s needs:

Our Integrated Behavioral Health team can partner with your child’s primary care provider to provide easy access to brief individual and family therapy services.

Call your primary care clinic

Our Behavioral Health Services help children navigate obstacles encountered along life’s way and offer services for common childhood behavioral problems and mental health concerns.

Call 651-220-6724

Our Integrative Medicine program provides innovative, holistic care for the whole child and combines the best of conventional and complementary therapies. Example techniques include relaxation breathing, aromatherapy, mental imagery and acupressure.

Call 612-813-7888

Distance learning support

We offer behavioral health appointments to help you address the special challenges of online education and other distance learning for children with special needs, children who have an individualized education program (IEP), or children who have difficulties with executive functioning. Services are billed through insurance.

Online resources

Online Behavior Checker

Use this free online tool for proven tips to solve 150 common child behavior issues such as anxiety, sibling conflict and refusing to follow rules. This expert advice can help create a more peaceful home.

Family Education Materials

Related articles

Our experts in the news

The Effect Missing Milestones Has On Kids And Their Parents (Video)

Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, talks about coping with the loss of milestone events like graduations. WCCO – May 6, 2020

How To Handle The Stresses Of Staying At Home With Kids (Video)

Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, addresses some challenges. WCCO Mid-Morning – April 1, 2020

Ask A Pediatrician: Effects Of Social Isolation On Children (Video)

Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, talks about what families can expect. WCCO Mid-Morning – April 15, 2020

Kids navigate mental health challenges amidst COVID-19 (Video and article)

Dr. Sarah Jerstad, psychologist at Children’s Minnesota, talks about the unique situations COVID-19 is presenting for children already dealing with anxiety and depression. KARE11 – April 23, 2020

From the Children’s Minnesota blog

How to talk to your kids and teens about violence in the media

Seeing violence in the media has become more common. We’re here to give you tips for talking to your kids and teens about the violence they’ve seen in the media.

Ways to stay safe and active during winter

We’re sharing tips to keep kids active all winter long, which is good for their minds and bodies.

Helping African American kids and teens with mental health

Dr. Jason Walker, child psychologist at Children’s Minnesota, shares more about mental health disparities for African American youth and what parents can do to help.

What parents need to know about body image and mental health

Dr. Sara Gonzalez, pediatric psychologist at Children’s Minnesota, shares tips for parents to help kids and teens who are struggling with body image.

Going back to school safely

School will look much different this fall as Minnesota continues to make careful choices to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Original programming

Parenting during the pandemic

Get tips from our July 16 Grand Rounds presentation featuring Julie King, co-author of the book “How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen” and the app Pocket Parent.

Star Studio is the in-house TV station at Children’s Minnesota Hospitals. Its programming is geared specifically to patients and their families and includes unique, live, interactive shows that patients can call into. Learn more.

Nothing holding you back: Explaining music therapy
The PPE Song: Explaining PPE to children