As summer winds down and students return to school, excitement can often be accompanied by stress for both students and caregivers. Whether the strain stems from new teachers, busier schedules, social pressures, or academic expectations, these challenges can take a toll on mental health for many youth.  Although many of these stressors are alleviated after a few weeks, ongoing tension may be a sign that the student needs extra support.

Although the back-to-school season seems to be in the rearview mirror for this year, new routines, sleep schedules, and family dynamics can impact students long into the academic year. While it may be difficult to recognize when or why a young person is struggling with their mental health, there are warning signs that parents and caregivers can look out for.

“The biggest thing to look for is changes in behavior,” said Clinical Director of Youth Services Leslie LeFevre, LPCC-S. “They may start showing changes in behavior like increased isolation, decreased desire to engage in activities they enjoy, and increased irritability. You may also notice changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, school participation, or even peer relationships.”

At Zepf Center, there are several options for youth mental health treatment, depending on past experiences and current needs of the individual and their family. From mental health therapy to Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS) and Youth Psychiatric Urgent Care, our teams are trained to provide individualized care to meet the client’s specific needs and goals.

Even before considering treatment options, if a student is displaying any signs of distress, it is important to first have an open and honest conversation with them. While a little stress is normal, too much can lead to anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes that interfere with learning and social growth.

“Youth are often misunderstood and want to feel heard,” said MRSS Manager Jen Metzger, LPCC-S. “Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen to what they have to say without telling them what to do.”

By checking in with the student, their caregiver can continue to monitor their symptoms and make the best decision for their continued care. Sometimes behavioral changes can resolve on their own with extra support and care from loved ones. However, if the symptoms do not improve, contacting a mental health professional should be the next step.

When a young person is struggling, timely support can make all the difference. Zepf Center’s teams provide a range of services, including:

• Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS): This program fills a gap in the continuum of Crisis Care, by serving families with youth and young adults up to age 21 who are experiencing difficulties or distress. With just a quick phone call to the team, these families can receive assistance within 60 minutes. Families may also receive up to 45 days of intensive, in-home services and linkage to ongoing support. The MRSS team may provide services like safety assessments, de-escalation, peer support, and skill building.
• Youth Psychiatric Urgent Care (YPUC): Located at 424 W. Woodruff Ave., this service operates Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Walk-in Psychiatric Urgent Care services allow clients to access a mental health and medical professional without an appointment. Prescribed medications can be obtained the same day, and follow-up mental health services for continued medication management are also available. Services are covered, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, for all counties in the Northwest Ohio Region.
• Outpatient Services: These services are provided to clients ages 2-25 to assist in providing stabilization and ongoing support. Services include individual therapy, case management, and day treatment programs. Providers will assess the client and build a custom care plan to meet their needs and goals.

In recent months, Zepf Center’s Youth Therapy team has witnessed an increase in mental health issues stemming from social media and online communities. Clinicians say that today’s youth are under an extreme amount of pressure and often turn to social media or artificial intelligence (AI) for support. While these platforms may help in the short run, they will often worsen the student’s struggles with mental health.

“Over the years, I have noticed a rapid increase in youth relying on social media or AI for their primary means of support or information regarding mental health,” said LeFevre. “With youth not always having the ability to decipher reality from fantasy and sift out misinformation, it can have a very detrimental impact on their mental health and overall well-being.”

Parents and caregivers are often the first to recognize a behavior change and can be vital in obtaining support for youth who are experiencing mental health concerns. Remember, support is always available, and Zepf Center’s trauma-informed team will go above and beyond to ensure every young person receives the care they need.

“Now that students are back in school, we want families to know they are not alone in supporting their child’s mental health,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “Early recognition and connection to care can make all the difference. We are here to listen, support, and ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and cared for.”

By watching for warning signs, supporting youth through stressful transitions, and seeking professional help when needed, families and schools can work together to ensure children not only succeed academically but also thrive emotionally.

To learn more about Zepf Center’s youth services, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/child-adolescent-mental-health/. If you or someone you know is in immediate need of mental health support, call 419-904-2273 to access our Crisis Care services and speak with a local mental health professional 24/7.