Parent and youth mental health resources

As a parent, protecting your child's mental health — as well as your own — may be one of the most important things you can do. Here, you'll find resources to help support your child and be ready to offer guidance.

Self Care by AbleTo App

Most teens are likely influenced by social media and those around them, even if they’re talking to parents or trusted adults. Self Care by AbleTo gives direct access to teens looking for help to cope with everyday life. It includes:

Confidential 24/7 access to content specifically created for teens ages 13-19
Support to help with staying calm, remaining focused while studying, getting motivated, navigating relationships and more

Simply enter access code “teen” to get started.

Get started with Ableto Self Care

Helping parents support their children

Be open, be well and be ready for your child

Getting your kids to open up about mental health may feel tricky, though the right resources may be able to help. Let's take a look at 3 ways you can help your child and yourself.

Be open and communicate with your child

When kids feel safe, not judged, progress and growth often follow. Starting mental health conversations with honesty and empathy may encourage your child to open up. Check out these conversation starters, plus helpful resources for you and your child.

Download our conversation starter cards (pdf)

See our Teen Mental Health flyer (pdf)

Get tips for supporting a family member (pdf)

Be well and take care of you

Checking in with yourself is important for your entire family’s health — if your well-being is compromised, you may have less to offer those around you. Whether you’re dealing with work uncertainties or the ongoing challenges of parenting, find ways to help boost your own wellness, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources for UnitedHealthcare commercial members. However, please review your company-specific benefits as EAP may be offered through UHC or another company.

Watch a video to learn about EAP resources

Find mental health resources for members

For UnitedHealthcare members: Learn more about Behavioral Health

Be ready and learn how to offer extra support for you and your child

These resources can help you be ready to offer support and guidance for different circumstances and challenges — whether you want to understand more about mental health or are looking for specific ways to be there for your child.

Check your benefits and schedule a 24/7 Virtual Visit with a mental health provider

Read the College Student Behavioral Health Report

Learn about substance disorder and recovery

Read the Parent and caregiver resource guide for substance use

See support options for LGBTQ+

Don’t know where to start?

Connect with resources and explore your options at myuhc.com or call the number on your UnitedHealthcare health plan ID card to learn more.

Mental health support and resources

If you believe you need help right away — for yourself or a loved one — call 911 or use the emergency numbers below.

Substance Use Helpline — 1-855-780-5955

If you feel that you or a loved one are experiencing signs of addiction, call the confidential helpline to get support, guidance on treatment options, help finding a network provider and answers to your questions.

National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Get help with crisis intervention, information and referrals to local services for victims of domestic violence and those calling on their behalf.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

The Crisis Text Line — Text “Home” to 741741

The Crisis Text Line is a free resource available 24/7 to help you connect with a crisis counselor.

Disclaimers

Self Care by AbleTo should not be used for urgent care needs. If you are experiencing a crisis or need emergency care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The information contained within Self Care is for educational purposes only; it is not intended to diagnose problems or provide treatment and should not be used on its own as a substitute for care from a provider. Self Care is available to members ages 13+ at no additional cost as part of your benefit plan. Self Care may not be available for all groups in District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia or West Virginia and is subject to change. Refer to your plan documents for specific benefit coverage and limitations or call the toll-free member phone number on your health plan ID card. Participation in the program is voluntary and subject to the Self Care terms of use.

The material provided through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is for informational purposes only. EAP staff cannot diagnose problems or suggest treatment. EAP is not a substitute for your doctor's care. Employees are encouraged to discuss with their doctor how the information provided may be right for them. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. EAP is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time. Due to the potential for a conflict of interest, legal consultation will not be provided on issues that may involve legal action against UnitedHealthcare or its affiliates, or any entity through which the caller is receiving these services directly or indirectly (e.g., employer or health plan). This program and its components may not be available in all states or for all group sizes and is subject to change. Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

24/7 Virtual Visits is a service available with a provider via video, or audio-only where permitted under state law. It is not an insurance product or a health plan. Unless otherwise required, benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Network Provider. 24/7 Virtual Visits are not intended to address emergency or lifethreatening medical conditions and should not be used in those circumstances. Services may not be available at all times, or in all locations, or for all members. Check your benefit plan to determine if these services are available.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.