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Big Feelings

HOW SUPPORT CAN HELP

For young children in San Mateo County

Early childhood mental health is a child’s ability to form relationships, manage emotions, and explore the world with confidence. Getting help early supports learning, strength, and well-being. Below are explanations of mental health resources in San Mateo County.

common sUPPORTS for mental health

These are common services and supports to help children with mental health and behavioral challenges. 

Parent-to-Parent Support

Other parents who have gone through similar experiences can provide important guidance and support. One way to find similar supportive parents is Parent Groups (also called “Play Groups” and “Therapy Groups”). Parent Groups are facilitated gatherings to support and connect parents.

Coaching

Coaching helps parents learn ways to support their child with mental health and behavior challenges. It can be useful to help your child through difficulties. (However, if a child needs close supervision for safety, has been struggling for a long time, or faces more serious challenges that affect their everyday life, therapy is recommended.)

BRIGHT LIFE KIDS

Screenings and Assessment

An assessment is when a professional observes your child to understand what support they need. It also helps decide if your child qualifies for services like therapy or special school accommodations.

A screening is a shorter process (like a questionaire) that helps determine a child’s need.

Therapy

Therapy involves talking and doing activities with a trained therapist. It helps kids understand their feelings and control their behavior. Through therapy, children learn healthy ways to cope with challenges and build stronger emotional skills.

THERAPY SERVICES

School Supports

Ask your preschool/school if there are mental health specialists available to support families. (Many preschools do, including all Head Start preschools.)

California law ensures students with mental health challenges can get extra support at school. This can include one-on-one help, flexible schedules, or quiet spaces. To qualify, a licensed therapist usually needs to do an assessment. These supports are written in a 504 Plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

INFORMATION ABOUT IEP, IFSP, & 504 PLANS

Pediatric Care

Your child’s doctor can help diagnose mental and behavioral challenges. Make an appointment or ask during a check-up Pediatricians can offer advice, refer you to specialists, and help create a plan for support. They may order an assessment to better diagnose your child.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN CALLING MEDI-CAL ACCESS LINE

See available services

We have collected information on mental health services and organizations in San Mateo in one place. Click below.

CLICK HERE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES
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Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.

Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018.  Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair.  This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.  

Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013. 

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital for children and youth in San Diego.  Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.  She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.