If you are in need of resources for issues such as the following, please visit your counselor for more information.

anger management
child abuse/neglect
depression and other mental health issues; Mental Health in Colorado
domestic violence
drugs/alcohol (helpful websites: www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/ & www.whatsyourantidrug.com/; Alanon and Alateen)
eating disorders
family concerns
grief and loss
mentoring
peer pressure
pregnancy
relationships
residential treatment
self-esteem
sexual assault
stress management
suicide
teen health

If you need help with basic needs and supplies please see your counselor or Ms. Aaland in Student Services.

For community resources and phone numbers about the above issues or other concerns, please contact First Call (United Way) 211. You can visit their website at http://www.firstcall211.org or contact them by dialing 211 to find out about agencies that can help you.

When does my child need help?

Parents are usually the first to recognize that their child has a problem with emotions or behavior. Still, the decision to seek help can be difficult and painful for a parent. The first step is to gently try to talk to the child. An honest, open talk about feelings can often help. Parents may choose to consult with the child's physicians, teachers, school counselor, members of the clergy, or other adults who know the child well.

Some signs that your teen may need help are:

• Marked change in school performance.
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities.
• Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits.
• Many physical complaints.
• Sexual acting out.
• Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death.
• Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Intense fear of becoming obese with no relationship to actual body weight, purging food or restricting eating.
• Persistent nightmares.
• Threats of self-harm or harm to others.
• Self-injury or self destructive behavior.
• Frequent outbursts of anger, aggression.
• Threats to run away.
• Aggressive or non-aggressive consistent violation of rights of others; opposition to authority, truancy, thefts, or vandalism.
• Strange thoughts and feelings; and unusual behaviors.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Facts for Families also offers guidelines for parents when dealing with tough mental health issues. The site address is: http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?name=Home§ion=root

Another helpful resource for families is: www.family.samhsa.gov/default.aspx

Colorado State University's Psychological Services Center offers assessment and therapy to the Fort Collins area.

Colorado State University's Center for Family and Couple Therapy offers services to families, couples, individuals, adolescents, and children.