*Photo credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In the United States, nearly 20 percent of children are currently living with a mental health disorder or will have one at some point in their lives. The negative stereotypes that surround mental health are often what stand in the way of parents and caregivers seeking treatment for their children. Kate Middleton, along with the British Royal Family, is hoping to drive out this stigma and inspire more compassion and understanding for individuals with mental health disorders.

On August 14, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, shared a message about the importance of mental health during the launch of a new podcast series, Child in Mind from the Anna Freud National Center for Children. The series will provide parents with important information on how to monitor and enhance their child’s mental health. The Duchess also stated that she and her husband Prince William would absolutely encourage their children to seek therapy if they were struggling psychologically.

“No parent would fail to call the doctor if their child developed a fever, yet some children are tackling tough times without the support that can help them because the adults in their lives are scared to ask.” 

This isn’t the first time The Duchess has spoken out about mental health. Earlier in 2016, she advocated for more compassion and research during Children’s Mental Health week when she spoke as a guest editor of the Huffington Post UK. She also launched the initiative Heads Together earlier this year with Prince William and Prince Harry to support mental health awareness. Click to read the entire Huffington Post article: Duchess Kate Yet Again Proves She’s A Mental Health Superstar

As a society, we all have a part to play in eliminating the stigma associated with seeking mental health services for children. If your child is struggling with a behavioral health challenge, KVC can help! Our highly-skilled team of therapists and case managers provide high-quality, effective services for children, adults and families right in the home, which is where change must occur and where therapy is most effective. Our in-home model removes any barriers to receiving treatment and eliminates the need to travel to an office, coordinate child care or take off from work. Our team will assess, diagnose and develop a plan of care that is best suited to meet you and your family’s unique needs. Services are covered by a majority of insurance providers and our referral process is fast and easy. Learn more about KVC’s Behavioral Health Services and how we can help.