National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
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Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people.

Children and young people in this country are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis; there has been a continued rise in the number diagnosed with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. An estimated one in five youth has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder – yet many do not receive the help they need. And these mental health challenges can significantly impact their ability to learn and develop.

SAMHSA’s youth programs are focused on promoting wellness and the prevention, treatment, and recovery of mental health and substance use from early childhood to young adulthood.

2026 Social Media Toolkit

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Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day”

Post Copy - All Platforms: Today is National #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay! For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people. Learn more: samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/childrens-mental-health-awareness-day

Post Copy - All Platforms: Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This is a special day for all of us to recognize that our children’s mental health matters! samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/childrens-mental-health-awareness-day

Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: Positive mental health is essential for kids—it means reaching milestones, learning healthy social skills & coping when there are problems. Let's bring awareness about the needs of children's mental health! samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/childrens-mental-health-awareness-day #AwarenessDay

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  Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Graphic (PNG | 774 KB)

Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “You’re not alone. Help is available” with a list of helplines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call 988 Text 988 Chat 988Lifeline.org; SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1800662HELP (4357); Disaster Distress Helpline 18009855990 Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988 press 1; Findtreatment.gov; Findsupport.gov

Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: Positive mental health is essential for kids—it means reaching milestones, learning healthy social skills & coping when there are problems. Let's bring awareness about the needs of children's mental health! samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/childrens-mental-health-awareness-day #AwarenessDay

When a child is experiencing mental health challenges it impacts their family as well. Help is available. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help for free, confidential support 24/7. If a young person in your life is going through a tough time, remind them that there’s always help and hope. #NCMHAD #988Lifeline #AwarenessDay

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  You're not alone. Help is available. Graphic (PNG | 532 KB)

Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “For Parents and Caregivers of Children” Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: It can be tough to tell if troubling behavior in a child is just a part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health professional. Be aware of the warning signs of distress: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/parents-and-caregivers #AwarenessDay

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  For Parents and Caregivers of Children Graphic (PNG | 544 KB)

Programs and Initiatives Supporting Children and Youth

SAMHSA initiatives aimed at improving children’s mental health include:

Last Updated: 05/01/2026