
Your Child’s Mental Well-Being Matters
At AdventHealth for Children, we care about every child’s whole health. And mental well-being matters when it comes to overall health. With research showing that 1 in 5 children is impacted by a mental health disorder at any given time, we are dedicated to improving the mental health of children, adolescents and teens in the Central Florida area and beyond.
Half of all lifetime mental health conditions start before age 14, and 75% have an onset before age 24. Detecting challenges and addressing them early can make all the difference for the rest of your child’s life, so they can thrive in body, mind and spirit with a whole-person treatment plan that works for them.
Our caring experts are here to help children and their families with resources, guidance and support. We also partnered with Dr. Phillips Charities, whose generous $6 million grant helped create the AdventHealth for Children Mental Health Program, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive pediatric and young adult mental and behavioral health program in Central Florida, to expand access to mental health care for kids.
To find the right care for your child, connect with one of our pediatric mental health navigators today.

Be a Mindleader™
Together with Heart of Florida United Way, we've launched the Be a Mindleader campaign to spark more conversations around mental health conditions. This effort highlights expert information and helps facilitate life-changing conversations about mental health between kids and the adults in their lives. By destigmatizing mental health challenges, we can work together to create more Mindleaders in our community.
Facebook - Be a Mindleader
Instagram - @BeaMindleader
Suicide and Crisis Prevention Resources
It can be hard to be hopeful about the future when you’re feeling bad, but we want you to know that one thing won’t change: Help is always here for you. If you're feeling suicidal or have a plan to end your life, know that you’re not alone in these thoughts, and you don't have to act on them. People who care are here to listen and support you 24/7 at the National Suicide Hotline (dial 988) and on the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
You matter and your life is precious.
Free Mental Health Hotlines
To get you started, these mental health hotlines are free, confidential, available in multiple languages and here for students of all ages.
- Crisis Text Line
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Phone: Text HOME to 741741
Website: crisistextline.org
Available: 24/7The Crisis Text Line is here for you if you’re experiencing any kind of emotional or mental crisis. It’s a convenient option if you’d rather not or are unable to talk on the phone. You can connect with a trained crisis counselor in under five minutes in most cases. They’re here to help with everything from anxiety and depression to school-related pressures and suicidal thoughts.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine
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Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Website: nami.org/help
Available: Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is a peer-support service that’s available to anyone. This line is staffed with trained volunteers who can answer your questions, offer support and provide practical next steps for you — no matter what kind of mental health crisis you’re facing.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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Phone: 988
Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Available: 24/7
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support to anyone in emotional distress or facing suicidal thoughts. They offer both phone calls and online chatting with trained crisis counselors who can help you through a crisis.
- Teen Line
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Website: teenlineonline.org
Phone: 1-800-852-8336
Text TEEN to 839863
Available: 6 to 9 pm PST every day (or 9 pm to 12 am EST)
With Teen Line, you can talk with a trained teen or adult volunteer on the phone or through text messaging about any issues or struggles you’re facing, whether it’s bullying, teen suicide, depression or something else.
- The Trevor Project
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Website: thetrevorproject.org
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorChat: Access through a computer, smartphone or tablet
TrevorText: Text START to 678-678
Available: 24/7
The Trevor Project is the country’s leading organization offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention help to LGBTQIA+ youth. Trained crisis counselors are here to listen to and support you on the phone, through text messaging or online chatting 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Navigation
Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Navigation team provides complimentary services that help you coordinate your child’s mental, emotional and behavioral health care needs and answer any questions you may have. These services include:
- Finding a health care provider who accepts your insurance
- Assistance with scheduling appointments
- Resources and support for you and your family
To contact the team, please call Call407-517-7593 or complete this form.
Resources From Our Experts at AdventHealth for Children
We’re passionate about providing parents with the tools and information they need to feel empowered in supporting their child’s physical, mental and emotional health. Hear from some of our team as well as one patient’s inspiring story of recovery.
Roger’s Mental Health Story
Mental health disorders can appear when you least expect them to. Watch Roger's story of perseverance after battling cancer which led to a new obstacle, depression.
Ask a Kid Doc: Mental Health Discussion
Dr. Tina Gurnani discusses mental health challenges for children and how to help children process information.
Ask a Kid Doc: Anxiety in Kids
Dr. Emily Forrest discusses the varying feelings of anxiety in kids and how you can help your child tackle these feelings.
Ask a Kid Doc: Dr. Westerveld
Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Michael Westerveld discusses the stressors caused by COVID-19.
Ask a Kid Doc: ADD/ADHD
Dr. Mark Roque and Dr. Paulino Milla-Orellana, pediatric primary care physicians at AdventHealth for Children, answer parent questions and concerns regarding ADD and ADHD.
Be A Mindleader PDF
Here are five ways to care for your mental health.
Conversation Starters PDF
Learn three ways to talk about mental health with your kids.
Harry and Mary Coloring Sheet
Download a fun activity to get the mental health conversation started with your child.

Meet Our Mental Health Experts
Our AdventHealth Medical Group Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry office provides your family with access to expertise on mental health for children and adolescents from our compassionate team.

Support Mental Health
At AdventHealth for Children
Now more than ever, seeking care for mental wellness is of the utmost importance. Finding the right level of care quickly can make all the difference for a child. Contributions to support mental health at AdventHealth for Children will improve access to patient care, help to expand education and awareness in our community and help to sustain our much-needed clinical infrastructure to prevent mental health crises and implement early screenings.
Join us in changing the perception of mental health in our communities, while filling the gap in care for children living with behavioral and mental health disorders.
Thank You to Our Founding Partners

Dr. Phillips Charities
