National Eating Disorders Association
Information and resources about eating disorders, with ways to learn more and explore support.
Explore National Eating Disorders AssociationFor teens, parents & caregivers
Mental Health Resources for Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers to take the next step. We’ve gathered links to resources that can help teens, parents, and caregivers better understand mental health, explore ways to cope, and feel more prepared to ask for support. Take your time, start with what feels useful, and bring anything that resonates with you into our conversations.
Nemours KidsHealth
Teen-friendly articles about feelings, stress, relationships, and mental health. A place to start when you’re trying to put words to what you’re experiencing.
Explore Nemours KidsHealthNAMI: Kids, Teens & Young Adults
Mental health information for young people and the adults who care about them, with guidance on understanding challenges and finding support.
Explore NAMI: Kids, Teens & Young AdultsMedlinePlus: Teen Mental Health
Information from the National Library of Medicine, with links to learn about teen mental health, treatment, and related topics.
Explore MedlinePlus: Teen Mental HealthWork2BeWell
Free mental wellness resources for teens, including activities and information about stress, feelings, and everyday coping.
Explore Work2BeWellThe Trevor Project
Resources for LGBTQ+ young people and the people who support them, including educational articles about identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Explore The Trevor ProjectThese links open in a new tab and take you to independent organizations. Their educational resources can complement care; your therapist can help you consider what fits your situation.
Understanding trauma & finding support
Trauma Resources for Teens
After something frightening or painful, it can be hard to understand what you’re feeling—or know how to help someone you love. These resources offer a place to learn about trauma, explore supportive responses, and begin conversations with a trusted adult or therapist. Some are written for teens; others are for the adults supporting them. You can explore them at your own pace.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Youth-informed guides, tip sheets, and videos that help young people understand trauma, make sense of their reactions, and find encouragement as they heal.
Explore National Child Traumatic Stress NetworkNIMH: Coping With Traumatic Events
Information for parents and trusted adults about common reactions after traumatic events and ways to help children and teens cope.
Explore NIMH: Coping With Traumatic EventsChild Care Aware of America
Resources for caregivers and providers helping children cope with disasters and other traumatic events, including difficult news and media coverage.
Explore Child Care Aware of AmericaNational Center for PTSD: Children & Teens
An introduction to trauma and PTSD in children and teens, with information about signs, effects, and treatment.
Explore National Center for PTSD: Children & TeensGirls Inc.: Responding to Trauma
Videos and a tip sheet for caring adults who want to better understand trauma and toxic stress and respond supportively to young people.
Explore Girls Inc.: Responding to TraumaFor parents & caregivers
Attachment & Connection
What is attachment?
Attachment is the emotional bond a child builds with a caregiver—the relationship they turn to for safety, comfort, and help. For teens, needing more independence does not mean they stop needing connection. Being available, listening, and coming back together after a difficult moment can help keep that connection strong.
Understanding attachment styles
You may hear the terms secure, anxious or ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. They describe patterns researchers observe in how children seek and respond to comfort in a particular caregiving relationship. They are not diagnoses or permanent personality labels. A child’s age, culture, experiences, and relationships matter; a quiz or one difficult interaction cannot tell the whole story.
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)?
RAD is a specific clinical disorder associated with severe insufficient care early in life. Children with RAD rarely seek or respond to comfort from familiar caregivers when distressed. It is different from an insecure attachment pattern, ordinary teen withdrawal, or conflict at home.
If you are worried about your child’s relationships or ability to accept comfort, a qualified child mental health professional can assess the full picture. Many children who have experienced trauma do not have RAD. Support should involve caregivers and be tailored to the child’s needs.
Connection can start with an ordinary moment.
Put your phone down when your teen wants to talk. Try, “That sounds really hard. Do you want me to listen or help you think it through?” Keep expectations predictable, respect their space, and return to conversations after everyone is calm. You can acknowledge a feeling while still holding a caring limit on harmful behavior.
Learn more about attachment
Attachment styles: a parent’s starting point
ZERO TO THREE explains early childhood attachment patterns and why context matters. This resource focuses on young children rather than labeling teens or adults.
Read about attachment stylesRAD & attachment disorders
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains RAD, related concerns, evaluation, and family involvement in treatment.
Read the parent guide to attachment disordersWhen you’re ready
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