Mental Health Support for Children & Families
Mental and physical health are equally important to a person’s overall health. Just as we all have physical health, we all have mental health – even babies and young children!
What is mental health?
Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables us to cope with life’s stresses, realize our potential, learn and work successfully, and build and maintain positive relationships with others.
Mental health impacts how we think, feel and behave. Mental health is important in every stage of life, from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and throughout adulthood.
A Child's Mental Health Begins with You!
Healthy social-emotional development is the foundation for lifelong mental health. As adults, we can intentionally support children’s social-emotional development at every age.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
Mental health and wellness providers across Jefferson County have compiled the below resources for families with young children. These include:
- Self-guided information and connection opportunities
- Support groups and classes
- Details on where to access mental health assessments and intervention services
Use the accordion menu below and click the “+” next to the category that best fits your needs.
In addition to the resources below, you can view Caregiver Support resources on 2-1-1 Colorado: FIND RESOURCES
Nurturing Parenting® – Nurturing HOPE™
DESCRIPTION – This specialized, evidence-based program is built on the nationally recognized Nurturing Parenting® curriculum and thoughtfully adapted for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and health challenges. Each session provides space for reflection, skill-building, and community connection, supporting caregivers in developing nurturing routines, gentle discipline practices, stress management tools, and deeper understanding of their children’s developmental and emotional needs.
WEBSITE – Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative
PHONE – 720-978-0115
EMAIL – info@NebulaEarlyChildhoodCollaborative.com
La Cocina – Circle of Security
DESCRIPTION – Resources for Latino parents of children ages 0-6 including online and in-person parent education and support groups. The 8-week Circle of Security course helps Spanish-speaking parents answer questions such as “What are my child’s social and emotional needs?” and “What tools do I need to be able to support my child as they grow?”
WEBSITE – La Cocina Circle of Security
PHONE – 970-232-0740
EMAIL – Hola@LaCocinaHome.org
Lantern
DESCRIPTION – Lantern sends messages with tips and activities for caregivers of children that are targeted to your child’s age. Messages include information on development, health and safety, behavior, and more.
WEBSITE – Families – Lantern
PHONE – 303-433-6200
EMAIL – contact@mylantern.org
Raising Colorado Kids
DESCRIPTION – Brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, this website includes information on getting ready for your baby, child development, how to find child care, and parent/caregiver support. The “Find Services” tab lets you answer a few simple questions to find out which public services your family might qualify for in Colorado.
WEBSITE – Raising CO Kids
Edgewater Collective
DESCRIPTION – Promotes programs and partnerships to improve education, economic opportunity, and civic engagement with Latino communities across Jefferson County. The website includes resources for immigrant communities.
WEBSITE – Home – Edgewater Collective
Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA)
DESCRIPTION – MMHA provides online information, resources, and support related to mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth. The website highlights awareness, stories, and tools to help women, birthing people, families and professionals understand and address perinatal mental health issues.
WEBSITE – Maternal Mental Health Alliance
EMAIL – info@maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
Parents Thrive Colorado
DESCRIPTION – Maintained by the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC), this website provides relatable peer stories, and well-organized resources that address mental and emotional health needs across the perinatal journey.
WEBSITE – Find Mental Health and Wellness Resources – Parents Thrive Colorado
CONTACT – Contact – Parents Thrive Colorado
Zero to Three
DESCRIPTION – Children don’t come with a manual, but fortunately, parents can turn to ZERO TO THREE child resources for up-to-date caregiving information and support. Explore trending resources, learn about developmental milestones, get positive parenting tips, and learn how to respond to challenging behaviors
WEBSITE – Zero to Three Resources for Families
PHONE – 202-638-1144
PBS Kids for Parents
DESCRIPTION – Understanding and managing emotions is a lot at any age. Find tips for expressing feelings and supporting positive mental health. The website includes games and activities you can do with your child.
WEBSITE – Parenting Tips & Advice | Emotions and Wellbeing | PBS KIDS for Parents
NAMI Jeffco
DESCRIPTION – Resources to help Jefferson County families navigate mental health challenges, find local help for their children or teens, and access supportive education and connections.
WEBSITE – Resources – NAMI Jeffco
PHONE – 720-809-5060 (message line, not a crisis line)
EMAIL – info@namijeffco.org
In addition to the resources below, you can view Group Support resources on 2-1-1 Colorado: FIND RESOURCES
Jefferson Center Early Childhood Family Services
DESCRIPTION – Early Childhood Family Services serves families with young for behavior management, social-emotional assessments, child development & parenting instruction, and family therapy. They also offer groups such as Circle of Security, Incredible Years, child yoga, and art therapy.
WEBSITE – Jefferson Center Early Childhood Family Services
PHONE NUMBER – 303-425-0300 and request Early Childhood Family Services
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) Groups and Storytimes
DESCRIPTION – Free community-oriented gatherings and learning opportunities at JCPL locations that support reading, creativity, skill development, and social connection for all ages.
WEBSITE – Jefferson County Public Library Groups, Storytimes and Classes
Denver County Public Library Groups and Storytimes
DESCRIPTION – Free educational and social programs that support learning, literacy, creativity, and community connection for children and families.
WEBSITE – Denver County Public Library Groups, Storytimes and Classes
NAMI Jeffco
DESCRIPTION – Led by certified trained facilitators, these groups are specifically for family members, significant others, friends, etc. who have loved ones and/or people in their lives with mental health conditions. The program is peer-led and offers participants an opportunity to share their experience, strength, and wisdom with each other. Support group days and times are listed on the NAMI Jeffco Calendar.
WEBSITE – Support Groups – NAMI Jeffco
PHONE NUMBER – 720-809-5060 (message line, not a crisis line)
EMAIL – info@namijeffco.org
In addition to the resources below, you can view In Home Support resources on 2-1-1 Colorado: FIND RESOURCES
Elephant Circle
DESCRIPTION – Elephant Circle’s doula services provide perinatal support grounded in birth justice and equity. They help connect pregnant and postpartum individuals with doulas who offer compassionate, non-judgmental support throughout pregnancy, birth, and up to two years after birth.
WEBSITE – Elephant Circle Doula Services
CONTACT FORM – Doula Request form
In addition to the resources below, you can view Crisis Support resources on 2-1-1 Colorado: FIND RESOURCES
Colorado Mental Health & Crisis Services Line
DESCRIPTION – 24/7 access point for emotional, mental health, or substance use support.
WEBSITE –Colorado Mental Health & Crisis Services
PHONE OR TEXT– 988
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
DESCRIPTION – For those who are pregnant or just had a baby, this hotline offers free, confidential support 24/7 via phone or text.
WEBSITE – National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
PHONE – 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
DESCRIPTION – Free, confidential support via call or chat, available 24/7 for people in distress. Dial 988 to access prevention or crisis resources for yourself or someone you love.
WEBSITE – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
PHONE – Visit the website to contact the lifeline directly.
NAMI Jeffco Crisis Services
DESCRIPTION – Resources designed to connect community members with immediate support, counseling, and specialized crisis assistance when someone is in urgent need
WEBSITE – NAMI Jeffco -Crisis Resources
PHONE – 720-809-5060 (message line, not a crisis line)
EMAIL – info@namijeffco.org
In addition to the resources below, you can view Assessment/Treatment resources on 2-1-1 Colorado: FIND RESOURCES
Jefferson Center Early Childhood Family Services
BRIEF DESCRIPTION – Early Childhood Family Services serves families with young for behavior management, social emotional assessments, child development & parenting instruction, and family therapy. Children aged 6-8 are seen only in the office; children up to age 6 can receive home-based or office visits.
WEBSITE – Jefferson Center Early Childhood Family Services
PHONE NUMBER – 303-425-0300 and request Early Childhood Family Services
Concerned about a Child's Mental Health?
Babies and young children can suffer from mental health problems caused by neglect, trauma, biological factors, or situations in their home environment.
Depression and anxiety are two common mental health disorders in young children. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment.
Support Mental Health Through Reading & Outdoor Activity 
Books to Help Children Learn about Feelings
Our book list has stories for infants, toddlers and elementary age children on topics such as coping with fears, self-control, friendship, grief and loss, and divorce.
Fun, Free Outdoor Activities for Families
Spending time outside and being active is a great way to support our own mental health and that of our kids. Check out our list of outdoor activities that you do right in your own backyard or out in our community.
Pregnancy-Related Mental Health Support & Substance Use Treatment
Struggling with Pregnancy-Related Depression or Anxiety?
You are not alone. Find free and confidential support or call the Postpartum Support Hotline at 1.800.944.4773.
Substance Use Treatment During & After Pregnancy
For families struggling with substance abuse during pregnancy or after the birth, there are confidential and non-judgmental resources in our community to support you.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
World Health Organization , https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response