A child's behavior can be confusing and worrisome to parents. For example:
“My 7-year-old has become moody and irritable. Is it something to worry about?”
“Should I be concerned about my 15-year-old hanging out with the wrong crowd and breaking curfew?”
“My 17-year-old son recently broke up with his girlfriend, and he just doesn’t seem to care about his grades, friends, or others. What can I do to help him?”
Navigating behavioral health care can be challenging for parents. The Department of Psychology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital has a free program to help parents navigate this system and gain access to resources in the community.
Project Safety Net operates a free, confidential phone line Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. staffed with behavioral health resource specialists to provide parents with an opportunity to discuss concerns about their child’s development and behavior. Additionally, our specialists connect parents with useful resources in the community, such as individual counseling, family counseling, psychiatry, intensive outpatient programs, and evaluations.
Parents can call 314-454-8336 directly, or a medical provider can initiate contact or a referral to Project Safety Net through EPIC.
Common issues raised by parents calling 314-454-8336 include:
- Parent-child conflict
- Moodiness and irritability
- Alcohol or drug usage
- Promoting responsibility and independence
- School performance
- Changes in friends and managing peer pressure
- Worrying
- Behavioral concern
Parents calling Project Safety Net can remain anonymous. Parents may also provide contact information to receive educational materials and follow-up from our help line professionals to ensure we’ve addressed their concerns.
Project Safety Net is free of charge thanks to generous gifts through the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation.
