31 May Children’s Mental Health Crisis
Craig Warren, CEO of Washburn Center for Children discusses the growing children’s mental health crisis. He highlights alarming statistics, systemic challenges, and practical steps caregivers can take to support children experiencing mental health struggles.
The conversation underscores how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already-existing mental health crisis among children and why greater investment in mental healthcare is essential.
Understanding the Children’s Mental Health Crisis
Craig Warren begins by providing context:
- 1 in 5 children reported experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation before the pandemic.
- COVID-19, social unrest, and school violence have intensified the crisis, especially for vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ youth.
- In Minnesota alone, 43% of LGBTQ youth reported their mental health was negatively impacted by anti-trans and anti-gay legislation.
These statistics reveal how external factors—violence, economic instability, and societal changes—continue to impact children’s mental health.
Washburn Center for Children’s Mission and Services
Washburn Center focuses entirely on outpatient mental health services for children. Their approach emphasizes providing hope and support for children and families by:
- Offering a continuum of care, from occasional counseling to crisis stabilization.
- Embedding mental health professionals in over 40 schools to ensure seamless care.
- Partnering with healthcare systems to connect children with therapists before hospital discharge.
This community-based model ensures that income isn’t a barrier—over 50% of Washburn’s clients receive assistance through Medicaid or state programs.
The Shortage of Mental Health Professionals: Causes and Solutions
Craig identifies structural underinvestment as the primary cause of the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals.
Key issues include:
- Lower pay and limited financial incentives for mental health professionals compared to other fields.
- Stigma surrounding mental health, leading to fewer people pursuing careers in the field.
- High burnout rates among therapists, especially after COVID-19, leading many to leave the profession.
He emphasizes that while demand for mental health services has grown, the capacity to meet this demand remains limited.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children
Warren shares practical insights on the behavioral changes that caregivers should watch for:
- Younger children: Frequent nightmares, trouble falling asleep, or difficulty concentrating.
- Teens: Withdrawing from friends, sudden mood changes, or loss of interest in hobbies.
- Across all ages: Shifts in daily habits, such as irregular sleep or changes in personal hygiene.
Craig advises caregivers to look for trauma-related signs, such as behavioral shifts following a family loss or parental separation.
How to Get Help and Support for Children’s Mental Health
Warren offers several steps for caregivers to take if they suspect a child is struggling:
- Consult with teachers or school mental health professionals.
- Speak to a pediatrician for referrals and advice.
- Use resources from organizations such as:
If the situation is critical, Warren advises caregivers to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit an emergency room for immediate help.
Building Resilience in Children Through Role Modeling
Craig emphasizes the importance of role modeling healthy behavior as a way for caregivers to build resilience in children.
- Self-care: Demonstrating how to manage stress through mindfulness or exercise.
- Emotional openness: Talking openly about emotions and mental health.
- Creating safe spaces: Encouraging children to express their feelings without fear of judgment.
He also notes that caregivers need to address their own mental health to effectively support their children. Seeking therapy or mental health resources for oneself is a powerful way to lead by example.
Advocating for Better Mental Health Policies
Craig calls on individuals to advocate for stronger mental health policies. He encourages parents to engage with legislators to drive change by:
- Sharing personal stories about the importance of children’s mental health care.
- Supporting policy organizations like the Mental Health Legislative Network, which advocates for mental health funding in Minnesota.
- Voting at the state and local level to ensure mental health remains a priority for policymakers.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Caregivers and Advocates
Craig Warren leaves listeners with a hopeful message: awareness and action are the keys to change. While the children’s mental health crisis is complex, caregivers, communities, and policymakers can work together to build a more supportive future for children.
To learn more about children’s mental health, visit Washburn Center for Children and explore their helpful articles on topics like anxiety, bullying, and stress management.
Additional mental health resources are available at NAMI and Mental Health America.
About Craig Warren
Craig Warren is the CEO of Washburn Center for Children, Minnesota’s leading mental health organization, which provides transformative care for children and families across three clinics, more than 40 schools, and directly in homes and communities. Appointed CEO in 2022, Craig made history as the first BIPOC leader in the organization’s 140-year history.
With over 25 years of experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Craig is a social impact catalyst driven by a passion for creating equitable outcomes in education, income, employment, and health. His career includes key leadership roles at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Best Buy, Rockwell Automation, The Coca-Cola Company, Towers Perrin, and the United States Army.
Craig holds a master’s degree from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and has been a dedicated mentor with Menttium since 2019.