Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health Amid Policy Changes: A Message from Mind Chicago
At Mind Chicago, we understand that parents are grappling with increasing uncertainty around the future of pediatric mental health care. With the recent wave of executive orders, including the Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission executive order, many families have reached out, worried about how this and other policies might impact their children’s access to evidence-based treatment options. As clinicians, we want you to know: We are here to support you, advocate for your child and family, and help navigate the uncertainty together.
What’s Changing?
The "Make America Healthy Again" executive order prioritizes broad reforms in health care, including shifts in mental health treatment guidelines, potential restrictions on certain medications, and an emphasis on non-pharmaceutical interventions. While holistic approaches can be valuable, we also recognize that for many children, well-established medications—such as SSRIs for anxiety and depression or stimulants for ADHD—are critical, evidence-based components of their treatment plans.
Young people and their parents have the right to choose the best course of care for them, and at Mind Chicago, we will continue to advocate for treatment decisions grounded in clinical research and individualized client needs—not political shifts or ideological agendas.
How Mind Chicago Can Support Your Family
Advocacy & Guidance: Our team stays up to date on policy changes and will help you understand what new regulations mean for your child’s treatment.
Evidence-Based Treatment Plans: We prioritize therapies and interventions backed by science, ensuring your child continues to receive the best possible care.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with families, schools, and other providers to advocate for continued access to appropriate and effective treatment.
Managing Uncertainty: Tips for Parents
1. Stay Informed While Staying Present: In an effort to stay informed, we can sometimes get caught up in all the “what ifs.” Follow trusted sources for accurate information and discuss concerns with your child’s clinician. Give yourself permission to limit media consumption and - focus on what’s important and what you can do today.
2. Prioritize Consistency: Even in uncertain times, maintaining a structured routine—medications (when appropriate), therapy appointments, and supportive home environments—can help you and your family feel secure.
3. Encourage Open Conversations: Kids and teens pick up on stress. Reassure them that their care team is working to keep their treatment on track and invite them to share their concerns and thoughts. When talking to your kids or teens about the uncertainty that comes with difficult topics, Dr. Emily Ach at the Stanford Parenting Center suggests “1) preparing in advance; 2) using clear, concise, and age-appropriate language; 3) being truthful and authentic; 4) providing information in layers.”
4. Lean on Your Community: You’re not alone. Connecting with other parents facing similar challenges can provide emotional support.
5. Set Realistic Expectations: To our dismay as parents, not everything can be predicted or controlled when it comes to our kids - and it’s okay to not have the answers.
At Mind Chicago, we remain committed to providing the highest standard of care, advocating for your child’s well-being, and ensuring that treatment decisions remain where they belong—with young people and their families. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we will continue to fight for every child’s right to the care they need and deserve.
Authored by the Mind Chicago
