Resources

Parents

Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. You may also call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location.  Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary. Counseling and nursing, as well as, psychiatric medications are available. All locations are open 24/7 and everyone is welcome regardless of insurance type or ability to pay.

  • The Family Advocate Program
    Phone: (800) 330-4522
    This program provides support for family members, significant others, or caregivers of adults with a serious mental illness. The primary function of the Family Advocate Program is to assist family members in coping with the illness of their loved one through information, education, and support.
  • Parent Support & Training Program
    Phone: (951) 358-5862
    Offers comprehensive and individualized treatment and support to families seeking mental health care. Services include parent-to-parent support, education, training, and advocacy, which enhance parents’ knowledge and build confidence to participate in the process of treatment. Services are offered in English and Spanish and are free of charge.
  • Parent-to-Parent Non-Crisis Telephone Support Line
    Phone: (951) 358-3622
    This telephone support line is for parents/caregivers raising a child with mental health/behavioral challenges who would like to talk to another parent employed by the Department of Mental Health, for support and information.
  • National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
    A family-run organization with more than 120 chapters and state organizations representing the families of children and youth with mental health needs. The site offers valuable links and resources.
  • Children’s Clinic 
    A directory of children’s clinics in Riverside County.
  • The Balanced Mind Parent Network
    Offers information, resources and the opportunity to connect with others.
  • Evidence Based Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents
    This website is a valuable resource for parents who want an effective treatment based on scientific findings. Developed by researchers and clinicians, the site reflects the most current research on the treatment of childhood disorders. In addition, the site enables parents to search for local therapists committed to the practice of science-based therapy.
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    This website offers resources and a wide range of “Facts for Families” in different languages.
  • Project ABC
    This website provides resources and tip sheets for families, professionals and community organizations to promote the healthy emotional development of infants and young children.
  • Family Guide (PDF)
    The Building Blocks Family Guide contains ideas for fun activities and discussion starters for you and your children, as well as advice and guidance on topics, such as active listening, rulemaking and being a good role model.
  • First 5 California “Talk” Campaign
    Encourages parents to talk, read and sing to their young children as a way to promote healthy brain growth, especially in the early years between 0 and 5 when 90% of a child’s brain develops. The First 5 California website provides free songs that parents can download.
  • StopBullying.gov
    This resource provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
  • Kids Health
    Is a website that shares information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years.
  • Boys Town
    Offers a vast library of parenting information and articles developed over many decades by our child behavior experts. ​The site features parenting guides, articles, videos, tools and quick tips on a variety of subjects.
  • What’s Up Safehouse is a 24/7, free, anonymous mental health crisis texting line. Get immediate support from a licensed mental health professional.  Dedicated to helping support the residents of Riverside County through issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying, and any other issue that is causing trouble.
    • Text SHHELP to 844.204.0880 24/7 for immediate support and resources.
Helpline (951) 686-HELP