Parent & Guardian Resources

Kentucky Mental Health Resources for Children

In times of crisis that are not life-threatening, locate mental and behavioral health resources near you. While these resources are broad in scope, your family's medical provider is the best source of personalized advice. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency department.

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or need someone to talk to, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text "START" to 741-741 to reach a live, trained specialist.

A line of children hold hands while playing in the mud.

Special Education in Kentucky

Special Education in Kentucky Wondering if your child might need special education services? The Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) has a process to determine eligibility, which varies depending on each child.

Eligibility Categories in Kentucky Include:

  • Autism (AUT)

  • Deaf-Blindness (DB)

  • Developmental Delay (DD) ages three to eight

  • Emotional-Behavioral Disability (EBD)

  • and others...

Additional Resources:

Understanding Individual Education Programs (IEPs) An IEP is a written plan detailing the special education and related services for students who qualify. It's a collaborative effort by the ARC, including parents, ensuring it meets the child's unique needs.

IEP Resources Include:

For detailed information and resources, [Click Here to Learn More].

Mental Health Hotlines

NAMI Kentucky

Child Abuse

Kentucky Child Protection Hotline

Eating Disorders

National Eating Disorders Association Helpline

ANAD Hotline

Domestic Abuse

Merryman House

  • Paducah Area

  • 1-800-585-2686

Oasis

  • Owensboro

  • 1-800-882-2873

Spring Haven Inc.

  • Elizabethtown

  • 1-800-767-5838

The Center for Women and Families

  • Louisville

  • 1-844-BE-SAFE1

Women’s Crisis Center

  • Northern Kentucky

  • 1-800-928-3335

Women’s Crisis Center

  • Maysville

  • 1-800-928-6708

DOVES of Gateway

  • Morehead

  • 1-800-221-4361

Safe Harbor

  • Ashland

  • 1-800-926-2150

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services

  • Prestonsburg

  • 1-800-649-6605

LKLP Safe House

  • Hazard

  • 1-800-928-3131

Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services

  • London

  • 1-800-755-5348

Bethany House Abuse Shelter, Inc.

  • Somerset

  • 1-800-755-2017

Barren River Area Safe Space

  • Bowling Green

  • 1-800-928-1183

Sanctuary, Inc

  • Hopkinsville

  • 1-800-766-0000

kcadv.org/get-help-now/member-programs

Autism

Kentucky Early Intervention Program

Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism

Kentucky’s Family Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders

LGBT Resources

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Hotline

  • 502-454-7613

  • Phone counselors available from 6 - 10 PM

Louisville Youth Group