Counseling & Therapy Services for Kids in Utah

If you are having a mental health crisis and need immediate assistance, please do one of the following:

1 – Call the UNI Crisis Line at 801-587-3000

2 – Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

3 – Text a crisis worker through the Utah SafeApp

4 – Text HELLO to 741741 (crisis text line)

5 – Go to your nearest emergency room and ask to speak to a mental health crisis worker

Resources by Topic

Resources for Anxiety
Resources for Depression
Resources for ADHD

Pediatric Counseling & Mental Health

Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being that often does not receive the attention it deserves. The Families First Pediatrics team is dedicated to providing full pediatric services in Utah, to include mental health services and pediatric counseling for both children and families alike.

Meet Our Therapists

Lori Jo Leonard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she is part of the Families First Pediatrics team. She has over 15 years of clinical experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Lori Jo works with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Kim Abbott is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), she graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in Health Care Systems Administration. Kim graduated with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. Kim is trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Theraplay, and Attachment Focused Family Therapy (AFFT).

Candace Basile is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with the state of Utah with experience in residential and outpatient therapy. This includes individual, couple, family, and group therapy with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Candace earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California majoring in mental health with a minor in military lifestyle.

Tiffany is a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) and earned her Masters of Social Work degree (MSW) from Simmons University, Boston, Ma., in 2020 and is a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Utah. Tiffany has experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression and other mood disorders. She has experience in behavioral modification, Narrative Therapy, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Tiffany finds joy and hope in working with children, teens, and their families.

Janis is a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) Janis graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and from the University of Ottawa with a Master of Health Administration. More recently, she graduated from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania with a Master of Social Work. Clinical experience in the mental health field has included addiction and recovery, trauma, anxiety, and depression with adults, children, adolescents, and families.

Tyler Young is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)with experience working with children on the autism spectrum, teens struggling with substance abuse, strained family relationships, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Tyler earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Southern Utah University. He went to graduate school at Gonzaga University where he earned a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling.

Andrea Rubido is a Clinical Social Worker (MSW, CSW)Andrea is a Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work Degree (MSW) from Utah Valley University. Working as a school social worker, Andrea has extensive experience with children struggling with anxiety, trauma, anger management, and emotion regulation. Andrea is skilled in the field of mental health with training and experience in addiction and recovery, trauma, anxiety, family reunification, depression in adults, adolescents, and families. Andrea truly enjoys being part of the process of healing and recovery of children, teens, and their families.

Mandi Biesinger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Mandi graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work. She has specialized training in play therapy, parenting and family support, emotional regulation and attachment. She has experience working with individuals of different religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds as well as individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community.

What is Mental Health?

MentalHealth.gov defines mental health as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act.” While regular immunizations and medical checkups are important, mental health is an equally critical component of overall well-being.

State of mental health can be determined by a multitude of factors: from life experiences like trauma, family history of mental illness, and biological factors such as brain chemistry. Not one factor determines mental health, a variety of situations contribute to how a person is feeling at any given moment.

Mental health is not only a consideration for adults, but for children as well. Mental health is critical to how individuals develop socially and cognitively, from early childhood all the way through adulthood. It is especially important in a family environment; the mental health of one individual, whether a parent or a child, could affect the entire family.

Why is Mental Health Important?

Mental health is important since it can impact every aspect of life. Mental health is like an ecosystem, with interlocking factors coming together to influence how a person feels on a day-to-day basis.

Mental health can impact everything from relationships, jobs, schoolwork, and even whether or not someone enjoys the activities they normally enjoy. The current state of a person’s mental health determines how they handle stress, relate to friends and family, and how they make choices. Simply, mental health affects how people navigate through the world around them.

Taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as physical health. Since mental health impacts every aspect of life, maintaining a positive baseline of mental health is critical.

When to See A Mental Health Professional

Recognizing when it is time to get help can be challenging and depends on the situation. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recommends that for children, the earlier treatment is started, the better. While it can be hard to tell if a child’s behavior is simply a part of adolescence or a problem to discuss with a mental health professional, the NIMH recommends a young child may benefit from counseling if they:

Have frequent tantrums
Complain about health issues such as stomach aches or headaches with no known medical cause
Sleep too much or too little and have low energy
Are not interested in playing with others
Recently began struggling academically
Repeat actions or check things many times

For older children or teens, the NIMH recommends seeing a mental health professional if they:

Have lost interest in things they used to enjoy
Spend too much time alone
Sleep too much or too little and have low energy
Engage in self-harm behaviors
Engage in risky or destructive behavior
Report that someone is trying to control their mind or are hearing things others cannot hear

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, then it’s likely time to see a mental health professional.

How Families First Pediatrics Can Help

Families First Pediatrics specializes in providing mental health treatment for children and families. A mental health professional will first meet with you to perform an initial evaluation where goals for counseling will be discussed. Families First Pediatrics will work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs.

Families First Pediatrics mental health services may include help in the following areas:

Diagnostic Evaluations
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Parent Training
Medication Management

We evaluate, provide treatment, and find appropriate services for children and families in Utah with the following challenges or difficulties:

Asperger’s Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
Bipolar Disorders (Manic Depression)
Conduct Disorder
Depressive Disorders
Developmental Disorders
Encopresis (fecal incontinence)
Enuresis (involuntary urination, especially by children at night)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Parenting Skills Training
Habit Related Disorders
Learning Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Panic Disorder
Phobias
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Preschool Disruptive Behavior
Selective Mutism
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Sleep-Related Difficulties
Social Anxiety
Trichotillomania

Contact Our Mental Health Professionals Today

Sometimes taking the first step is a challenge but Families First Pediatrics is here to help by providing you and your family the appropriate mental health services that your family needs. Contact us at one of our pediatric locations in South Jordan and Riverton.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health:

What does a mental health counselor do?

Mental health counselors meet with you (or your family) to assess what mental health services you may require. Once we understand your unique situation, Families First Pediatrics works to develop the appropriate plan of action to provide the mental health services you, your child, or your family needs.

What does a pediatric social worker do?

Pediatric social workers work in both inpatient and outpatient medical settings to provide assistance to children who are experiencing either chronic medical conditions or several medical conditions. Pediatric social workers also work with families to provide emotional support and care coordination services, along with communicating with medical teams and other important resources. If your child is experiencing a chronic medical condition or several medical conditions, Families First Pediatrics can help by providing critical resources.

When to seek mental health services?

If you notice a drastic change in the mental health of you or a family member, then it is time to seek mental health services. For more information, see the National Institute of Mental Health’s page of warning signs.

When to seek counseling for a child?

If your child is showing unusual behavior such as tantrums, too much or too little sleep, lack of energy, struggling academically, repeating actions, engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior, it may be time to seek counseling and mental health services for your child. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends that the sooner a child begins treatment, the better. Contact Families First Pediatrics or a mental health professional if you believe your child needs care. For more information on when to see a counselor for older children and teens, visit our blog.

How are mental health services paid for? Does Medicaid pay for mental health services?

According to MentalHealth.gov, the Affordable Care Act requires most individual, small group, and Medicaid health insurance plans to cover mental health services. Employer’s plans differ on whether mental health services are covered. The best way to determine if your insurance covers mental health services is to look at your plan’s enrollment materials or to get in touch. To see which health insurance plans we accept, see our health insurance page.

Mental Health Resources

Resources for Anxiety

Diagnosis and Support

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nih.gov

Mental Health
www.mentalhealth.gov

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
https://aacap.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
https://www.namiut.org

Utah Parent Center
www.utahparentcenter.org

Apps

Calm – Meditation and Sleep Stories

Mindshift CBT Anxiety Canada – Anxiety Self Check-in and Adjust Your Thinking

Headspace – Stress Less and Relaxing Sounds

MoodTools – Depression Help

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame – Sesame Street – problem-solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence

Mightier – Build Emotional Strength

Books for Anxiety

Stop Anxiety from Stopping You

by Dr. Helen Odessky

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

Outsmarting Worry

by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D

Worry Says What?

by Allison Edwards

Coping Skills for Kids Workbook

by Janine Halloran, MA, LMHC

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D

The Anxiety Cure for Kids: A Guide for Parents

by Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, M.S.W.

Robert L. DuPont, M.D.

Caroline M. DuPont, M.D.

If Your Adolescent Has An Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents

by Edna B. Foa, Ph.D

Linda Wasmer Andrews

Help for Worried Kids: Your Child Can Conquer Anxiety and Fear

by Cynthia G. Last, Ph.D

The Anxiety Workbook for Teens

by Lisa M. Schab, LCSW

Keys to Parenting Your Anxious Child

by Katharina Manassis

Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: A Guide for Caregivers

by Eli R. Lebowitz

Haim Omer

Websites

Worry Wise Kids www.worrywisekids.org

Kids Health https://kidshealth.org

Child Mind https://childmind.org

Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org

National Institute for Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov

Help Guide www.helpguide.org

Gozen-Stress & Worry Management www.gozen.com

Download the Anxiety Resources PDF

Resources for Depression

Depression is not a personality or character flaw. Depression does not define who a person is or make them any less of a person. It is a condition, like diabetes or the flu and should not yield feelings of shame.

Diagnosis and Support

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nih.gov

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
https://aacap.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
https://www.namiut.org

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
https://www.adaa.org

Coping Skills/Tools

Self Care: eat healthy, exercise daily, get appropriate amount hours of sleep based on the age of the individual, maintain positive relationships with family and friends, engage in fulfilling hobbies or activities.
Make and keep supportive friendships and other relationships. When depressed, it is important to challenge the inclination to isolate. Connection is one of the greatest tools for fighting depressive symptoms.
Deep breathing: Take a deep breath in through the nose – pause – then breathe out slowly through the mouth.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense muscle groups in the body one at a time, then relax that muscle group for 15 seconds before moving to the next muscle group
It is important to acknowledge what can and cannot be controlled, focusing on things that can be controlled.
Avoid guilt, shame, or blame. Focus instead on problem-solving, and how to move forward.
Identify and talk about feelings with a trusted adult.
Break down chores and tasks into smaller steps. This can be motivating and help prevent from feeling overwhelmed.
Challenge unhealthy or unhelpful thoughts: Avoid thinking traps such as over-generalization, all or nothing thinking, mind reading, and jumping to conclusions. Identify and challenge these unhealthy thoughts and try to replace them with a more helpful thought.
Practice mindfulness or grounding exercises.
Draw or write about feelings.
Listen to music or play a musical instrument.
Get outside and go for a walk or hike.
Visualize a calm and peaceful place: notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
Ask for help, Cuddle, or play with a pet, Get or give a hug.
Get moving: engage in intensive cardio exercise (such as running) for 30 minutes.
Stay focused and centered in the present (don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future).

Parental Support

If there are firearms in the home, ensure they are locked up and not accessible to children
Reach out to a professional or school counselor for help.
Be responsive instead of reactive when talking to a child.
Communicate availability and openness to talking about problems and feelings
Avoid lecturing that may cause disconnection
Together, come up with a plan to manage screen-time
Assist with self-care by structuring bedtime and sleeping routines, and encouraging healthy eating practices, and regular exercise.
Give hugs multiple times everyday
Maintain consistent family routines and rituals, such as eating dinner together as a family
Remember that it is not your job to “fix” your child, but to be his or her advocate and cheerleader.

Apps

SafeUT – Crisis Text and Tip Line for Students and Parents

Virtual Hope Box – Tools for Coping, Relaxation, Distraction, and Positive Thinking

Mindshift – Anxiety Self Check-in and Adjust Your Thinking

Headspace – Stress Less and Relaxing Sounds

Stop Breathe and Think Kids – Kids Meditation and Better Sleep

Happify – Activities, Games, and Meditation for Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Stress

What’s Up – Coping tools for Depression, Anxiety, Anger, and Stress

MoodTools – Depression Help

Books To Help With Depression

Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens

by Mary Karapetian Alvord, Ph.D

Anne McGrath, MA

Beyond the Blues

by Lisa M. Schab, LCSW

Don’t Let Your Emotions Run Your Life for Teens

by Sheri Van Dijk, MSW

Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents

by Francis Mark Mondimore, MD

Patrick Kelly, MD

My Feeling Better Workbook

by Sara Hamil, LCSW

How To Get Unstuck From the Negative Muck

by Lake Sullivan, Ph.D

My Many Colored Days

by Dr. Suess

The Way I Feel

by Janan Cain

Websites

Kids Health
https://kidshealth.org

Child Mind
https://childmind.org

Help Guide
www.helpguide.org

National Institute for Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov

The Imagine Project Inc.
www.theimagineprojecct.org

Download the Resources for Depression PDF

Resources for Families and Children with ADHD

Diagnosis and Support

CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
www.chaddofutah.com
A non-profit organization designed to help educate, support, and advocate for families affected by ADHD. Information available about local support groups, parent to parent training, conferences, etc.

Utah Parent Center – Parent Resources and Education
http://www.utahparentcenter.org

Jordan Family Education Center – Parent Information/Education Center
http://www.jordandistrict.org