Families around the world are under increased stress and anxiety due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Children of all ages are experiencing strong emotions and often do not know how to cope with this enormously challenging time. Parents are also struggling with their own fears and stressors – from financial insecurity to concerns about the future to domestic violence. Our team has compiled a variety of resources to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Crisis resources

• ChildHelp Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Aunt Bertha: A free online platform for health care providers, residents, social workers, school counselors and more to find thousands of free or low-cost resources and services by zip code.
• National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736, available Monday – Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TEXT “loveis” to 22522, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or TEXT “NAMI” to 741741, available Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 1-800-273-8255

Mental health resources

For all ages

• NAMI: Mental health coping strategies
• Prevent Child Abuse America: Coronavirus resources
• Every Mind: Range of mental health articles plus crisis resources
• Brain Pop: Interactive COVID resource with games and videos
• PBS Kids: How you and your kids can de-stress during coronavirus

For adolescents and teens

• Vibrant/Safe Space
• How to Help Teens Shelter in Place
• Youth Mental Health Project: Tips for teens and self-care
• EverFi: An online mental health course for students in grades 8, 9 and 10

For adults and parents

• Postpartum Support
• Child Trends: Resources for supporting children’s emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Early Childhood Innovation Network: Tips to help support your family
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Guide to helping families cope
• END Violence Against Children: Parenting in COVID-19 isolation resource pack (resources are available in more than 35 languages)
• Zero to Three: Importance of self-care for parents of young children
• Stop It Now: How can parents find safe childcare in emergencies?
• Internet Safety Tips NetSmartz: This site also includes videos for kids of all ages 
• Child Mind Institute: General mindfulness resources and Supporting families during COVID-19