The Mental Health Crisis in Kids: Signs, Support & When to Speak Up with Dr. Christine Crawford

Child and teen mental health is in crisis, and the numbers are alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are skyrocketing, yet there aren’t nearly enough providers to meet the growing need. In this must-listen episode, Teri and Ella sit down with Dr. Crawford for an honest, compassionate conversation about how parents can support their child’s mental health. From spotting the early signs of anxiety and depression to knowing when and how to start the conversation, Dr. Crawford shares tools every parent should have — even before there's a crisis.

You'll learn:

🚩 How to recognize mental health red flags in children and teens

🚩 Why early intervention matters

🚩 How to talk to your child about mental wellness

🚩 What to do when help feels hard to find

🚩 The role parents play in reducing stigma and building trust

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who loves a child struggling with their mental health, this episode offers the support and clarity you need to show up and stay connected.

Dr. Christine Crawford is a Harvard-trained adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist who currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). She is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair of Education at Boston University School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry. She treats patients in the Boston Medical Center Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic in the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP) Program, where she provides psychiatric care to adolescents experiencing symptoms of psychosis. In addition to her clinical work, she has expertise in areas such as racial disparities within the mental health care system and discussing the impact of racism on the mental health of people of color. She is also the author of NAMI’s latest book, “You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health.”

NAMI Website

Dr. Crawford's Book

Follow Dr. Crawford on Instagram

Grab your copy of the Let’s Get Real journal HERE and explore our merch at CHASINGREDFLAGS.COM - 10% of proceeds go directly to mental health causes.

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The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.

Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.