School isn't just about grades and homework—it's a huge part of your child's emotional and social world. Just as their physical health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, your child’s mental health also plays a significant role in how well they learn, grow, and thrive.
More families are talking about mental wellness—and that’s a good thing. If you’re wondering how to support your child’s mental health or where to turn for help, your primary care provider is an excellent place to start.

Mental Health Matters At All Ages

Mental Health Matters At All Ages

Even young children can experience stress, anxiety, sadness, or difficulty focusing. For school-age kids and teens, mental health can be shaped by:

  • Academic pressure
  • Friendship challenges or bullying
  • Family changes
  • Social media exposure
  • Learning differences
  • Big transitions like puberty or switching schools

When mental health challenges go unaddressed, they can affect everything from sleep and eating to self-esteem and school performance.

Primary Care Is a Starting Point for Support

A trusted primary care provider isn’t just there for checkups and sore throats, they’re trained to assess the whole child, including their mental and emotional well-being. At your child’s annual wellness visit, you can expect:

  • Developmentally appropriate mental health screenings
  • Conversations about behavior, mood, focus, and social interaction
  • Guidance for common concerns like anxiety, ADHD, or sleep issues
  • Referrals to counselors, therapists, or specialists when needed

Because your child’s primary care provider already knows your family, they’re often the first to notice when something seems off, and the best person to help you take the next step.

Primary Care Is a Starting Point for Support

Signs It Might Be Time to Check In

Signs It Might Be Time to Check In

Every child is different, but some signs may signal it’s time for a conversation:

  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
  • Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
  • Avoiding school, friends, or usual activities
  • Trouble focusing, paying attention, or following directions
  • Increased irritability, worry, or tearfulness
  • Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth

If you’re seeing any of these in your child, or just have a gut feeling something’s not right, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.


We’re Here for the Whole Child, And the Whole Family

At our St. Mary’s Primary Care and Pediatric Clinics, we believe that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether your child needs a wellness visit, behavioral screening, or help connecting with a mental health provider, we’re ready to walk that path with you.


Visit a location near you for compassionate, convenient care:

St. Mary's Family Medicine


Let’s Talk About the Whole Picture

Your child’s mental health deserves just as much attention as their physical health. Make time for a well-child checkup. Let’s work together to support their full potential, both in and beyond the classroom.