Mississippi Department of Mental Health Observes Children’s Mental Health First Week in May

Agency Highlights Supports for Mississippi’s Children, Youth & Families

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) joins advocates and partners across the country in recognizing Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week, May 3–9, shining a light on the mental health needs of Mississippi’s youngest residents and the services available to support them.

Nearly 35,000 of Mississippi’s children and youth live with severe and persistent mental health needs that can affect every area of their lives… from how they learn and grow to how they connect with family and peers. Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week is an annual reminder that early intervention, access to care and community support can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

DMH supports a broad continuum of services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbance, including outpatient therapy, therapeutic foster care, crisis stabilization, peer support, wraparound care coordination, targeted case management and more. The department’s MYPAC — Mississippi Youth Programs Around the Clock — provides intensive, community-based support to keep children in their homes and out of more restrictive settings.

The state agency also funds the Navigate program at eight sites across Mississippi, serving individuals ages 15–40 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis. Additionally, the CHAMP (Child Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry) program connects pediatric primary care providers with same-day consultations from UMMC child psychiatrists and psychologists, helping bridge the gap between primary care and specialty mental health services.

“The mental health of our children is the foundation of Mississippi’s future,” said Wendy Bailey, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. “During Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week and every week, DMH is committed to making sure families have the services, information and support they need to help their children thrive.”

Families seeking mental health services for a child or youth can call the DMH Office of Consumer Supports at 1-877-210-8513 to find certified providers in their area.