Children’s mental health has always mattered, however, in today’s world, it feels more urgent than ever. As the Director of Children and Adolescent Services, I see every day how emotional well-being intersects with schools, families, finances, social media, and a broader political climate that can feel overwhelming for both youth and caregivers.

When my son was a teenager, I remember constantly reminding myself that each phase was just that, a phase. He is now 21 years old, and while those years are behind us, the memories remain vivid.