There’s a new mental health resource for parents who are worried about their children, Handhold.

“You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions,” Handhold says on its website, which helps parents find mental health programs for their children.

This is a particularly important resource now, as families grapple with the global pandemic. As Handhold explains:

“COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your child’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out.”

The website – organized by three state agencies: the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, the Office of the Child Advocate, and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services – draws on community insights:

“Family partners and parents of kids with similar experiences to yours told us what they wished they had known earlier in their journey. Mental health experts, including child psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, selected the most relevant and useful resources.”

The goal is to connect parents to strategies and resources.

“Having a hand to hold as we enter a new journey can help us feel less alone and more confident.

“It’s so hard for parents to tell the difference between when their kid is just having a bad day, or when their child might be struggling with a more serious challenge to their mental health.

“This site exists to help you know the difference and know what steps you can take if your child does need a little extra help.”

Parents can start by answering a very short, four-question, “Should I worry?” survey about their children.

The survey results include a link to a page called “What can I do?” that lists actions parents can take such as breathing exercises or getting in home help. Another link – “Who can help?” – lists sources of help, including a mental health crisis phone number 1-877-382-1609 and the Network of Care in Massachusetts, a directory of over 5,000 mental health programs and organizations across the state.

Parents can also support the state by providing Handhold with feedback on its website.

As for early educators, please share this resource with all the families in your program, so that they can use it or recommend it to someone that they know.