November marks Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of nurturing emotional well-being from the very start of life. At Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC), providers are reminding parents and caregivers that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and that help is available right here in our communities.
Early childhood mental health refers to how young children, from birth through age five, experience and express emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their environments. These early years are foundational, shaping how children learn to cope with challenges, build confidence, and connect with others.
“When children have a safe space to express their feelings and learn healthy ways to handle big emotions, we’re setting them up for lifelong resilience,” said Shanavier “Navi” Clark, Lead Behavioral Health Specialist at Coastal Family Health Center. “Even very young children can benefit from guidance and support when they’re struggling to adjust, communicate, or manage a variety of emotions.”
Parents and caregivers may notice signs that their child is having difficulty regulating emotions or behavior. Common concerns include frequent tantrums, trouble sleeping, withdrawal from others, or sudden changes in mood. These behaviors are often a child’s way of communicating distress or unmet needs. Counseling or therapy can help families address these challenges early before they become bigger obstacles later in life.
“Therapy for children isn’t about labeling or diagnosing; it’s about understanding what they’re feeling and giving families the tools to respond with empathy and structure,” explained Jane Carey, Senior Behavioral Health Specialist at CFHC. “Parents are part of the process, too — we work together to create a supportive environment at home.”
Coastal Family Health Center offers counseling and behavioral health services for children and families across the Gulf Coast. Licensed therapists and behavioral health specialists collaborate closely with pediatricians to ensure that every child receives compassionate, holistic care. Services include individual counseling, family therapy, and behavioral assessments all delivered in a warm, supportive setting.
“At Coastal, we believe that caring for a child’s mind is an essential part of caring for their health,” said Carey. “When we support children emotionally, we strengthen families and communities.”
To learn more about behavioral health services at CFHC, visit https://coastalfamilyhealth.org/services/behavioral-health/ or call 228-374-2494.
