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Child & Teen Mental Health Support

When you are worried about your child or teen’s mental health, it can be hard to know what to watch for or when to reach out for help.

Children and teens go through many changes as they grow, and every family has moments when they wonder if a change in mood, behavior, sleep, school, friendships or daily routines is part of growing up or a sign that more support may be needed.

Axis Health System provides behavioral health care for children, teens and families across Southwest Colorado and the Western Slope. Our care teams can help you talk through concerns, understand possible next steps and connect your family with the right level of support. Axis accepts Medicaid, including Health First Colorado.

Use the questions below as a starting point for understanding common signs, knowing when to seek help and finding support for your child or teen. If you are worried about immediate safety, call the 24/7 Axis Care Line at 970-247-5245, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.

How do I know if my child’s behavior is more than “just a stage”?

It can be hard to tell, especially because children and teens change a lot as they grow. Some sadness, worry, irritability or challenging behavior can be part of normal development. It may be time to reach out when changes last for several weeks, feel intense, cause distress or begin to affect school, home life, friendships, sleep or daily routines.

What are some signs that my child or teen may need support?

Signs can look different depending on age and personality. You may notice ongoing worry or fear, frequent irritability, changes in sleep or energy, loss of interest in things they usually enjoy, more isolation, trouble at school, changes in friendships, risky behavior, substance use or comments about not wanting to be here. You know your child best. If something feels concerning, it is OK to ask for help.

When should I seek help right away?

Seek help right away if your child or teen talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, is engaging in unsafe behavior or you are worried about immediate safety. Call the 24/7 Axis Care Line at 970-247-5245, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also learn more about Axis crisis support on the Axis crisis services page [web team: link to Axis crisis page].

Can Axis help children and teens with mental health concerns?

Yes. Axis provides behavioral health care for children, teens and families, including counseling, therapy and care coordination. Our teams work with families to better understand concerns, support each child’s needs and help connect care across providers when needed. Learn more about counseling services at Axis.

What if I’m not sure my child needs therapy?

That is a common question. Reaching out does not mean you are committing to a specific type of care. It can simply be a first conversation to better understand what is going on and whether an evaluation, counseling, therapy or another type of support may be helpful. Families can contact a nearby Axis clinic or call the 24/7 Axis Care Line at 970-247-5245 for help with next steps.

Does Medicaid or Health First Colorado cover mental health care?

Axis accepts Medicaid, including Health First Colorado. Health First Colorado members can access behavioral health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services.

For children and teens, coverage may include outpatient mental health care such as individual, group or family therapy, medication management, psychiatric services, care coordination and higher levels of support when medically needed.

Health First Colorado also covers emergency behavioral health services and other supports that can help stabilize a child or teen during or after a mental health crisis. Members do not have co-pays for behavioral health services through their regional organization.

Where can I learn more?

The National Institute of Mental Health offers helpful information about children’s mental health, warning signs and when to seek support: https://go.nih.gov/VDeJ75X. If you are ready to talk with someone at Axis, contact an Axis clinic near you or call the 24/7 Axis Care Line at 970-247-5245.