School avoidance has become a major issue, exacerbated by long periods of distance learning and isolation. What causes school avoidance? How does it show up in kids and how can parents effectively support their children in getting back to the classroom? Read more ›
Fear of going to school was first called “school phobia” in 1941 (Johnson et al.,1941). Today it is known as school refusal or school avoidance, defined as: when a child does not fully attend school and has no reasonable or justifiable circumstances for the absence. Read more ›
The transition back to school each fall is challenging for many families. But some children and teens feel so much emotional distress that they may repeatedly balk at attending school or staying there — a problem known as school refusal, or school avoidance if it occurs consistently. Read more ›
School refusal is a term used to describe the signs of anxiety a school-aged child has and his or her refusal to go to school. It is also called school avoidance or school phobia. It can be seen in different types of situations. Read more ›
School avoidance – sometimes called school refusal or school phobia – is not uncommon and occurs in as many as 5% of children. These children may outright refuse to attend school or create reasons why they should not go. Read more ›
It’s distressing to watch a loved one experience panic attacks and face anxiety every day, but there are things you can do to help. It starts with recognizing the signs of excessive worry and understanding the best ways to support your loved one. Read more ›
The coronavirus pandemic has affected the mental health of children and teens, and therapists are tapped out and booked up. But that doesn’t mean care is impossible. In fact, caregivers can learn therapeutic strategies to support, reinforce and teach our children healthy coping skills. Read more ›
While the pandemic caused widespread disruption to learning, one of the biggest concerns, for students of all ages, has been how it has affected their mental health.
For parents concerned about how their students are handling the new school year, here are five suggestions mental health experts say can help them monitor their child’s mental health. Read more ›
California kids experienced the second-largest increase in depression and anxiety among U.S. states from 2016 to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in lockdown orders and school closures, a national child welfare advocacy group reported. Read more ›
On July 16, 2022, 
the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) transitioned to the new national three-digit suicide prevention lifeline number, 988. The new number is a quicker and more direct way to get support in times of need. Callers with 408, 650, and 669 area codes dial 988* to get compassionate support and connection to local crisis service. Read more ›
