Children’s Crisis Services
The teenage years can be emotionally challenging and stressful. Teens are dealing with self-esteem issues, peer pressure and pressure to succeed, self doubt, bullying, and in some cases, feelings of alienation or not being worthy of belonging. Unfortunately, for some teens, these feelings can lead to suicide.
- Depression
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Recent traumatic events such as death of a parent, divorce, moving to a new town, or exposure to other teen suicides
- Access to guns or other weapons
- Bullying or a hostile social or school environment
- Lack of a support network
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Loss of interest in usual activities or withdrawal from family and friends
- Running away or rebellious behavior
- Substance use
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
- Complaints about bodily aches and pains such as stomach pains, headaches, or tiredness
- Obsession with death or dying or feeling like he/she wants to die
How Can I Help Prevent My Friend, Teen or Loved one From Attempting Suicide?
Always take talk of suicide seriously. You can help prevent your loved one from attempting suicide by knowing the warning signs and keeping an open line of communication.
- Ensure the child or teen does not have access to medications or guns
- Stay connected to your loved one by being a supportive, good listener – not critical
- Seek help for a loved one with metal health conditions or using drugs/alcohol
- Educate yourself about teen suicide and the signs and symptoms of depression
- Threats of suicide are a cry for help. Always take such statements, thoughts, behaviors, or plans very seriously. Any teen who expresses thoughts of suicide should be evaluated right away. The Center for Health Care Services is here to help.
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Children & Adolescents
Being mentally healthy in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills, and how to cope when problems arise. When there is a concern that a child might not be meeting these milestones, The Center offers an array of services that can help.
Our goal is to strengthen and support families by providing services for an array of issues, including:
- Sadness or depression
- Fear or anxiety
- Persistent nightmares
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Harming self or others
- Behavioral problems
- Academic problems
- Running away and truancy
- School bullying
- Parenting support
- Child abuse/assault
- Divorce
- Grief/loss
- History of trauma
Children’s mental health treatment is for Bexar County youth ages 3 – 17 with a DSM-V Diagnosis, and includes the following services:
- skills training
- counseling
- medication training and support
- psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring
- family partner support
How to Enroll in Children's Behavioral Health Services
To enroll a child in services, start by calling (210) 261-CHCS (2427) to begin the registration process. The enrollment screening process is done Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic at Bandera: 6812 Bandera Road, Suite 102, San Antonio, Texas 78238.
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). Please call 911 if harm to self or harm to others is imminent.
The Center helps children and adolescents find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life.
For more information, or to enroll in services, please call:
Children: (210) 261-CHCS (2427)
Good Health and Wellbeing: Children 101
Mental health and wellness is essential for a child to live an independent, productive life full of positive experiences. Because a child’s development begins with the love and encouragement they receive from parents and caregivers, it’s important to:
- Establish healthy habits: nutritious food, adequate sleep, and exercise
- Provide a safe and secure home
- Give children unconditional love
- Nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem
- Make time for play
- Provide fair and consistent guidance and discipline
- Teach your children healthy ways to manage stress and bounce back from adversity
- Help your child maintain emotional balance by teaching them resiliency
- Take care of your own mental health!
