Diagnosing ADHD involves a thorough assessment by professionals using criteria from the DSM-5. After diagnosis, it's important for parents and schools to collaborate. Open communication helps share insights, and creating individualized plans, like IEPs or 504 plans, tailors support to the child's needs. Adjusting strategies based on feedback ensures a supportive and inclusive educational environment, optimizing the child's experience at school.

There are a variety of resources available to support parents, teachers, and students navigate this diagnosis and find the right supports for each student. Here are a few websites that might be helpful for parents:

• Parents' Guide to ADHD
• How is ADHD brain different
• Will ADHD medicine hurt my child's brain?
• Parenting skills for handling meltdowns
• Respite Care - This is one program, but there are several that can help provide a break for parents and great experiences for kids!
• Tips for good sleep - Kids with ADHD need to have really good sleep hygiene
• Take Control website. Resources and parenting help website and podcast 
• Parenting in developmental stages
• Developmental stages described for Parents - This helps you to know what to expect/what is normal

Utah Resources:

• Utah Chapter of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): CHADD is a national organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD and their families. Check their website for local chapters or resources in Utah.
• University of Utah - ADHD Program: Resources and information on ADHD.
• Utah Parent Center: The Utah Parent Center offers support, training, and resources for parents of children with disabilities, including ADHD. Visit their website or contact them for more information.
• Psychologists and Psychiatrists: Mental health professionals specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment may offer services in Utah. Consider seeking referrals from healthcare providers or contacting local psychologists and psychiatrists for assistance.

• Salt Lake Community College
• Adult Education at Granite Peaks

Boys and Girls Club - Miller Family Club

Athletics

• Murray City Parks and Recreation (Scholarships are available for low income families)
• Murray S.C. Soccer
• Ute Conference Tackle Football 

School-Based After School Programming

• Currently Horizon Elementary and Hillcrest Junior High are the two schools hosting after school programming in the 2023-2024 school year.

Care About Childcare Utah - Care About Childcare Utah provides families looking for childcare with profiles of childcare providers located throughout Utah.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves a detailed assessment by professionals using criteria from the DSM-5. After diagnosis, it's important for parents and schools to collaborate. Open communication helps share insights, and creating personalized plans, such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, tailors support to the child's needs. Adjusting teaching methods and providing a structured learning environment can enhance the child's experience, fostering inclusivity at school.

There are a variety of resources that can support families navigate Autism supports and school-related challenges.

• Utah Parent Center: The Utah Parent Center offers support, training, and resources for parents of children with disabilities, including autism. Visit their website or contact them for more information.
• Autism Council of Utah: This organization may provide information, resources, and support for families living with autism in Utah. Check their website or contact them for assistance
• University of Utah Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic: Academic institutions often have specialized clinics for autism. Check if the University of Utah has a clinic that offers support, diagnosis, and resources for families.
• Utah Autism Academy: This academy may provide services and support for individuals with autism and their families. Visit their website or contact them for more information.
• Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is a national organization with local resources. Check their website for Utah-specific resources and support services.
• Utah Department of Health - Autism Program: Government health departments often have programs and resources for individuals with autism. Check the Utah Department of Health's website for information on autism services.

Resources for Parents

• 4 Simple Steps to a Medication Safe Home 
• The LIV Project: Side Effects of Social Media 
• When Firearm Safety and Safe Storage is Your Goal 
• Your Child Has Talked About Ending Their Life: What's Next

Crisis Support 

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988
  • Provides compassionate support, provides referrals to anyone in need of mental health or emotional wellbeing services. Whatever age you are, you can call for hlep 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is no cost. Interpretors in more than 150 languages are available. This number recognizes the area code of the caller ID and transfers Utah are code numbers to the Utah team. If you are calling from a non-Utah area code, and you want a Utah response, call the local number 801-587-3000. Want to text in Spanish? Text HOLA to 741741.
• Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)
  • Offers community-based interventions to individuals regardless of their location: home, work, schools, or community. These services are delivered wherever the crisis is being experienced. A two person MCOT of qualified professionals with specialized training and expertise, respond to whomever has the need and are available 24/7/365. These services are efficient, and are are no cost to the consumer, and can be delievered in person or virtually. To access please call 988.
• SafeUT
  • The SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line is a statewide service the provide real-time crisis intervention to youth through a live chat and a confidential tip program - right from your smartphone. You can chat with a licensed counselor for support or submit a confidential tip. The original SafeUT app targets studentes, parents, educators, and others.
  • There are also additional SafeUT versions - SafeUT Frontline (First Responders and Frontline Healthcare Workers) and SafeUTNG (available to Utah National Guard members and their families).
• Utah Warm Line - 833-SPEAKUT (833-773-2588)
  • Talk to someone who's been there before and understands. Sometimes you may need a supporter as you heal and recover from your own personal struggles. If you need to talk with someone, you can call the Utah Warm Line for that support. The Warm Line is free for all callers. When you call the Warm Line, you will speak with a certified peer support specialist, with specialized training.
• Behavioral Health Services Navigation - 833-442-2211
  • Sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare, make just one call to find help to access behavioral health resources. It is open and free for anyone who needs mental health support. Call 7AM to 7PM, 7 days a week.
• Intermountain Health Care Crisis Access Centers
  • This service is for adults (age 18+) that are experiencing a behavioral health crisis without a medical emergency. They provide instant, urgent care. Various locations. Visit their website for more information.

Apps for Crisis

• SafeUT: The SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line is a statewide service the provide real-time crisis intervention to youth through a live chat and a confidential tip program - right from your smartphone.
• notOK: The notOK app features a big, red button that can be activated to let close friends and family know help is needed. User can add up to 5 trusted contacts as party of their support group, so when they hit the digital panic button, a message along with their current GPS location is sent to their contacts. The message reads "Hey, I'm not OK! Please call, text, or come find me."

Websites

• Live On Utah: Statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing our culture around suicide and mental health. Together we can get through, reach out, lift up, look ahead, and Live On. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about other Utah resources for crisis and suicide prevention:

• The Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
• National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
• American Foundation on Suicide Prevention, Utah Chapter 

Utah Data

• 2022 Utah Fact Sheet (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
• 2023 Utah Fact Sheet (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• Preventative: Free or reduced cost dental cleanings, x-rays, and referrals to restorative work:  SLCC has a program
• Restorative: Free or reduced cost clinic visit: Donated Dental Services or the U of U Dental School
• MCSD also partners with Big Smiles. Contact your school’s SBMH Team for more information. 

Feeding America: Find local food banks and emergency groceries

Murray Children’s Panty

  Address: 170 East 5770 South Murray UT 84107

Days and Hours: Tuesdays 10 am - 12 pm. Third Saturday of the month 10 am - 12 pm. Or by appointment

Phone Number: 385-210-1107

Murray Park Church of Christ Food Pantry

494 East 5300 South

Murray Utah 84107

Pantry Open Thursday’s 9 am to 5 pm

Murray Park Church of Christ

MOSAIC INTERFAITH MINISTRIES

Manna Pantry

  Address: 3278 South 540 East South Salt Lake

Days and Hours: Mondays 8:30 am to 2:50 pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am to  2:50 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-588-0139

Sign in at the Red Cabin Building

Only 2 times per week 

Manna Market

Address: 2797 S 200 E South Salt Lake

Behind Central Park Community Center 

Days and Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 am to 10:00 am 

Wednesday 9:00 am to 11:00 am

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE - SALT LAKE

Address: 495 E 4500 S, Ste 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Comfort Care Pediatrics Building

Days and Hours: Monday to Thursday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Friday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Food can be picked up once a week with no ID, financial or citizenship requirements. 

Phone Number: 801-746-4334

JESUS IS ALIVE FOOD PANTRY 

Address: 835 East 4800 South Murray, UT 84107 

Days and Hours: Saturday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-834-3585

REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD - HOUSE OF HIS GLORY PANTRY

Address: 213 W 4800 S Murray, UT 84107

Days and Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-994-2308

No requirements needed. Anyone who has zip codes 84106, 84107, 84109, 84117, 84118, 84119, 84121, 84123, 84129, 84157 can access it.

CONCERN CENTER OF SALT LAKE

Address: 1235 West California Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 

Days and Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Saturday 9:00 am to 11:30 am 

Phone Number: 801-573-0098

Need to set up an appointment. Requires you to bring a photo I.D for the “head of household” as well as proof of address such as utility bill. Birthdates are required for all family members. 

Zip Codes 84101, 84104, 84106, 84111, 84115, and 84116. 

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER 

Emergency Food Pantry

Address: 347 S 400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Days and Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-364-7765

Limit 6 times per year. 

Crossroads Westside Food Pantry

Address: 1358 West Indiana Avenue, Salt Lake City 84104

Days and Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-935-4079

Limit 6 times per year. 

EBENEZER HELPING HAND FOOD PANTRY

Address: 820 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Days and Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-355-8826

GRANGER COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH FOOD PANTRY

Address: 3232 W 4100 S, West Valley City, UT 84119

Days and Hours: Monday 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-968-3301

Serves 84118, 84119 and 84120 zip codes.

HILDEGARDE’S FOOD PANTRY

Address: 231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Days and Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11:00 am to 1:30 pm; Thursday 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Phone Number: 801-322-3400

Only 1 visit per week. ID is required for all household members every visit. 

HOPE UNLIMITED UTAH FOOD BANK 

Address: 4115 W Sams Boulevard (5295 South), Kearns, UT 84118

Days and Hours: Tuesday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

FIRST BAPTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF KEARNS

Address: 4445 W 5175 S, Kearns, UT 84118 

Days and Hours: Tuesday 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm; Wednesday and Friday 11:00 am  to 2:45 pm (closed for lunch 12:30 to 1:00 pm); Thursday 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm. 

LDS CHURCH WELFARE BISHOPS’ STOREHOUSE 

Address: 615 E 8400 S, Sandy, UT 84070 

Days and Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Wednesday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

Phone Number:  801-561-0214

Bishop’s order required. 

Address: 3648 S 7200 W, Magna, UT 84044

Days and Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-250-5853

Bishop’s order required. 

Address: 751 W 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Days and Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Wednesday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-240-7320

Bishop’s order required.

LDS CHURCH WELFARE BISHOPS’ STOREHOUSE 

Address: 615 E 8400 S, Sandy, UT 84070 

Days and Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Wednesday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

Phone Number:  801-561-0214

Bishop’s order required. 

Address: 3648 S 7200 W, Magna, UT 84044

Days and Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-250-5853

Bishop’s order required. 

Address: 751 W 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Days and Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Wednesday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-240-7320

Bishop’s order required. 

NUEVA ESPERANZA PANTRY 

Address: 7681 S 2200 W, West Jordan, UT 84084

Days and Hours: Wednesday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am to 12:30 and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-548-5089

RESCUE MISSION OF SALT LAKE

Address: 463 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Days and Hours: Monda

y and Saturday 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-355-1302

SALT LAKE CITY MISSIONAddress: 1151 S Redwood Road Suite #106, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Days and Hours: You need to schedule an appointment on their website to pick up a box. Bring a valid ID. 

Phone Number: 801-355-6310

Website: Salt Lake Mission 

SOUTH VALLEY JESUS FEEDS FOOD PANTRY

Address: 352 W 12300 S Draper, UT 84020

Days and Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-688-7251 

Requires you to schedule an appointment to pick up food. 

ST. ANDREWS FOOD PANTRY

Address: 11835 S 3600 W Riverton, UT 84065

Days and Hours: Thursdays 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 

Phone Number: 801-871-5080

Serves Draper, Bluffdale, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, West Jordan

ST. JAMES FOOD BANK 

Address: 7468 Union Park Ave, Midvale, 84047

Days and Hours: 2nd and 4th Sunday at 1 pm

Phone Number: 801-566-1311

ST. PAUL’S FOOD PANTRY

Address: 261 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Days and Hours: Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Phone Number: 801-322-5869

TAYLORSVILLE FOOD PANTRY

Address: 4775 South Plymouth View Drive (1625 W) Taylorsville, UT 

Days and Hours: Monday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; Wednesdays 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-815-003

Serves 84123, 84129

THE SALVATION PANTRY

Address: 438 South 900 West SLC, UT 84104

Days and Hours: Tuesday 10:00 am to 12pm; Wednesday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Friday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-988-4204

Please bring IDs for each member of the household. Each household can visit the pantry twice per calendar month. Please bring your own reusable bags/cart to transport.

UTAH COMMUNITY ACTION - COPPERVIEW FOOD AND RESOURCE CENTER

Address: 8446 S Harrison Street (300 W) Midvale, 84047 

Days and Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Phone Number: 801-255-3516

Serves 84006, 84009, 84020, 84047, 84065, 84070, 84081, 84084, 84088, 84090, 84092, 84093, 84094, 84095, 84096, 84117, 84121, 84124

UTAH COMMUNITY ACTION - REDWOOD FOOD AND RESOURCE CENTER

Address: 3060 Lester Street, West Valley City, Utah, 84119

Days and Hours: Tuesdays 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; Wednesday to Friday 8:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

Phone Number: 801-972-6661

Serves 84106, 84107, 84109, 84115, 84119, 84120, 84123, 84129.

 

 

Salt Lake County has a broad list of free or low-cost fun and engaging activities for parents and children. Visit their website to see what is near you!

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for assistance.

• Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC): UDVC is a statewide organization dedicated to providing resources, support, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. They may have local programs or shelters in Salt Lake County. Visit their website or contact them for more information. Free and confidential help and support for victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence is available 24/7. Call 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
• YWCA Utah: The YWCA often provides domestic violence support services, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. Check their website or contact their Salt Lake County branch for assistance.
• The Road Home: The Road Home operates emergency shelters and housing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. They may offer support and resources for survivors in Salt Lake County.
• Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit: Law enforcement agencies often have victim services units that provide support, information, and referrals for victims of crime, including domestic violence. To speak with a victim advocate call 799-3000 or call the 24 hour hotline at 801-580-7969.
• University of Utah Victim-Survivor Advocacy Program: Advocacy programs that offer support, information, and resources for victims of domestic violence. Contact the University of Utah's Victim-Survivor Advocacy Program for assistance via the website linked.
• Utah Legal Services: Utah Legal Services offers legal assistance and advocacy for low-income individuals, including survivors of domestic violence. Contact their Salt Lake County office for information on legal resources and assistance.

If you are looking for resources specific to Sexual Assault, please see the below:

• Saprea - Healing from Sexual Abuse Online Resources. Saprea also offers a variety of other free resources including support groups and a retreat held here in Utah.
  • Online Prevention Resources

The Sharing Place - Utah Based Organization, The Sharing place provides grief support services to youth, teens, and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. They provide a safe and caring environment for grieving children, teens, and their families to share their feelings while they heal themselves. Participants develop coping skills through a variety of mediums including art, play, and physical activity.

Caring Connections - The University of Utah, College of Nursing offers a variety of grief support groups throughout the year. Each support group is designed to help you cope with a different kind of loss and grief, including suicide. The groups are eight weeks in length and are facilitated by expert clinicians in the fields of social work, nursing, counseling, and psychology.

Articles:

• Helping Children Cope with Grief and Loss (NASP)
• Books for Children Coping with Loss or Trauma (NASP)

Websites:

• Coalition to Support Grieving Students 
• The Dougy Center
• Sesame Street Grief Resources 
• National Alliance for Grieving Children 

• Utah Homelessness Assistance
• Murray City Housing Authority: The Murray City Housing Authority may provide information on affordable housing programs, including public housing and housing choice vouchers (Section 8). Contact them for details on eligibility and application processes.
• Utah Housing Corporation: The Utah Housing Corporation offers various programs to assist individuals and families with affordable housing, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education. Visit their website or contact them for information on available resources.
• The Road Home: The Road Home operates shelters and housing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They may offer assistance in finding temporary and permanent housing solutions. Contact them for more information.
• Salt Lake County Housing and Community Development: Salt Lake County's Housing and Community Development department may offer housing assistance programs, emergency shelter services, and resources for residents in need. Check their website or contact them for information.
• Community Development Corporations (CDCs): CDCs in the Salt Lake City area, including Murray, may provide affordable housing options, rental assistance programs, and housing resources for low-income residents. Contact local CDCs for information on available programs.
• Catholic Community Services of Utah: Catholic Community Services provides various social services, including housing assistance programs. They may offer rental assistance, transitional housing, and other support services. Contact them for details.
• Utah Community Action: Utah Community Action is a non-profit organization that offers assistance programs, including housing and rental assistance, to low-income individuals and families. Visit their website or contact them for information on available services.

• English As a Second Language Classes at Salt Lake Community College
• Adult English School at Horizonte 
• Adult Education at Granite Peaks

Holy Cross Ministries
860 East 4500 South Suite 204
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Phone: 801-261-3440

English Skills Learning Center
4444 South 700 East Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Phone: 801-328-5608

Catholic Community Services of Utah
745 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone: 801-977-9119

Refugee and Immigrant Center at Asian Association of Utah
1588 S. Major St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (801) 467-6060

• Utah Legal Services: Utah Legal Services offers legal assistance and advocacy for low-income individuals. Contact their Salt Lake County office for information on legal resources and assistance.
• Murray Justice Court: The Murray Justice Court handles various legal matters, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small claims cases, within the jurisdiction of Murray. Contact them for information on court procedures and legal resources.
• Salt Lake County Bar Association: The Salt Lake County Bar Association offers lawyer referral services and legal resources for residents of Salt Lake County. Visit their website or contact them for assistance in finding legal representation.
• Utah State Bar Association: The Utah State Bar Association provides resources, referrals, and information on finding legal assistance in Utah. Visit their website or contact them for assistance in finding an attorney.
• Utah Courts Self-Help Center: The Utah Courts Self-Help Center offers resources and information for individuals representing themselves in legal matters, including forms, instructions, and legal guides. Visit their website or contact them for assistance.
• Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake: The Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake offers legal assistance and representation to low-income individuals and families in Salt Lake County. Contact them for information on available services and eligibility criteria.
• Murray City Attorney's Office: The Murray City Attorney's Office provides legal advice and representation to the city government of Murray. While they may not offer direct legal assistance to residents, they can provide information on local ordinances and legal resources.

Apply for Medicaid 

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Immunizations

• Salt Lake County Health Department
• Some available at the clinics below

Community Health Clinics (Uninsured or Low Income)

• Health Access Project
  • Serves uninsured and low-income
  • 801-412-3980
  • 140 West 2100 South #208 Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
  • Services: Medical, Case Management, Insurance assistance
• CHC, Community Health Centers
  • Reduced fees for uninsured
  • Medical visit - $35
  • Dental Visit - $55
  • Multiple Locations (Here)
  • Services: Medical, Dental, Mental Health
• Maliheh Free Clinic
  • Free clinic for uninsured and low-income
  • 801-266-3700
  • 941 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT 84106
  • Services: Medical
• Fourth Street Clinic
  • Free clinic for homeless
  • 801-364-0058
  • 409 West 400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
  • Services: Medical, Dental, Mental Health, Immunizations
• Hope Clinic
  • Free clinic for uninsured and low-income
  • 801-568-6700
  • 65 East 6850 South, Midvale, Utah 84047
  • Services: Medical
• U of U Health South Main Clinic
  • Reduced fees for uninsured
  • 801-587-2525
  • 3690 South Main St. Salt Lake City, UT 84115
  • Services: Medical, Dental
• U of U Health Mid-Valley Health Clinic
  • Reduced fees for uninsured
  • 801-417-0131
  • 8446 S. Harrison Midvale, UT - 84047
  • Services: Dermatology, Vision, Allergy
• Midtown Community Health Center
  • Reduced fees for uninsured
  • (801) 486-0911
  • 2253 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT - 84115
  • Services: Medical, Dental, Mental Health
• Intermountain North Temple Clinic
  • Reduced fees for uninsured
  • (801) 408-8654
  • 54 North 800 West Salt Lake City, UT - 84116
  • Services: Medical

Mental health is a multifaceted aspect of well-being that encompasses emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. The complexities of mental health can manifest differently in each individual, making it crucial to pay attention to our youth's mental well-being. Addressing mental health issues early can mitigate long-term consequences and improve overall quality of life. Parents and school-based mental health providers play integral roles in supporting youth mental health. By fostering open communication and collaboration, parents can provide valuable insights into their child's emotional state and behavior, while mental health professionals can offer specialized expertise and interventions. Together, they can develop tailored strategies to support the child's mental health needs, whether through counseling, implementing accommodations in the school environment, or connecting to additional resources. This partnership ensures a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns, promoting positive outcomes and fostering resilience in youth.

Child Mind Institute: Symptom Checker - You indicate the behaviors that are making you concerned about your child by answering a series of questions. The Symptom Checker analyzes your answers to give you a list of psychiatric or learning disorders that are associated with those symptoms. Since individual symptoms can reflect more than one disorder, this tool will give you a range of possibilities and guide you toward next steps. This tool cannot diagnose your child, but it can help you inform yourself about possible diagnoses and will offer information and articles to help you learn about them, to facilitate a conversation with a professional.

Various resources and articles addressing mental health topics:

• Parent's Guide to Anxiety
• Parent's Guide to Depression and Mood Disorders 
• Parent's Guide to Behavior Challenges
• Is it ADHD or Trauma? Why the Symptoms are Often Confused and How to Avoid a Misdiagnosis.
• What are Adjustment Disorders? When Kids have Big Reactions to Stressful Events
• What is PTSD? The Disorder Looks Different in Children as they Develop

Crisis

• SafeUT: The SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line is a statewide service the provide real-time crisis intervention to youth through a live chat and a confidential tip program - right from your smartphone.
• notOK: The notOK app features a big, red button that can be activated to let close friends and family know help is needed. User can add up to 5 trusted contacts as party of their support group, so when they hit the digital panic button, a message along with their current GPS location is sent to their contacts. The message reads "Hey, I'm not OK! Please call, text, or come find me."

General Mental Health Apps

• myStrength: This is a free, online tool to help you live your best life. You'll find help for stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and more. It's safe, secure, and personalized - just for you. Track your health, enjoy activities, and become inspired.
• Moodfit: Offers tools and insight that are meant to "shape up" your mood. Similar to the way you might decide to get into physical shape, this app is meant to help you get into mental shape.
• Calm: The Calm app helps users sleep better, boost confidence and reduce stress and anxiety, all with the help of guided meditations, soothing music, and bedtime stories.
• Headspace: Your guide to mindfulness in your everyday life. Learn meditation and mindfulness skills and choose from hundreds of guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, focus, and mind-body health.
• What's Up: What's Up uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to help you cope with depression, anxiety, and stress.
• The Hopeful: This app is from the suicide prevention organization To Write Love On Her Arms. It provides a daily mood check in and journal, along with various blogs related to Mental Health and other topics.
• TeenToks: TeenToks provides various meditations and short videos for teens related to mental health, body image, confidence, communication, friendships, sleep, school, and more.
• Live On Utah: Statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing our culture around suicide and mental health. Together we can get through, reach out, lift up, look ahead, and Live On. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Anxiety

• MindShift CBT: Rather than trying to avoid anxious feelings, MindShift stresses the importance of changing how you think about anxiety.
• Breathe2Relax: Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool which provides details information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing. The app now uses your Apple Watch device to measure your heart rate throughout your breathing exercise to help provide an even more complete picture of the relaxation experience.

Things to consider when looking for a therapist:

1. Do you plan to use insurance or pay out-of-pocket?
2. If using insurance, determine how many sessions your plan will cover.
3. Find out if your child would prefer a male or female therapist.
4. Expect you may need to try a few therapists in order to find a good fit.
5. Where is the therapist located and ease of scheduling appointments.

How do I find a therapist?:

1. Ask for a recommendation from a friend, talk to your pediatrician, or see what resources your School Based Mental Health provider has. (At each of MCSD's schools we do have a School Based Therapist partnership.)
2. Consult your insurance provider director.
3. Find a therapist using the website Psychology Today.
4. Find a therapist or mental health services using the United Way 2-1-1 website.

Resources at NO COST to families:

• School Based Mental Health (MCSD School Social Workers and School Psychologists)
• Youth Services - Prevention Groups, Juvenile Receiving Center, Homeless Youth and Substance Abuse: 385-468-4500
• Stabilization and Mobile Response 833-723-3326
• Crisis Line and Mobile Outreach 801-587-3000
• Assessment, Referral, and Consultation Services (ARCS) 801-313-7711
• Behavioral health Services Navigation Line 833-442-2211
• Salt Lake Behavioral Health / free assessments 801-396-0337

arenting is an incredibly rewarding but undeniably challenging journey. Navigating the complexities of raising children, from managing day-to-day responsibilities to addressing emotional and behavioral issues, can be overwhelming. It's essential for parents to recognize that they don't have to face these challenges alone. Numerous resources exist to provide support, guidance, and encouragement. Acknowledging the difficulties of parenting and actively seeking out available resources can empower parents to build a strong support network and ensure the well-being of both themselves and their children.

There are a number of resources available to help you on this journey.

• Help Me Grow Utah (United Way) - Help Me Grow Utah is a free resource for families with children ages 0–8. They connect families to information about child development, parenting, and community resources. Their services include free developmental and behavioral screenings, support navigating parenting questions, and referrals to additional programs to meet family needs. They aim to empower families with tools to help their children thrive.
• Healthy Relationships Utah (Utah State University) - Offers several free courses including Home Run Parents, Parenting the Love & Logic Way, Fatherhood Education, and Positive Discipline. In addition to these courses, there several others to support healthy parenting and step-parenting.
• Parent Guidance.Org - Offers free, on demand courses on a variety of topics. Q&As with therapists are also available.
• Utah Parent Center - The Utah Parent Center offers support, training, and resources for parents of children with disabilities. Visit their website or contact them for more information.
• Family Support Centers of Utah - The mission of the FSCU is to strengthen Utah families one community at a time by supporting parents, protecting children, and preserving families. To accomplish this mission, each Family Support Center provides its clients with a 24-hour crisis & respite nursery, a 24-hour information and referral service, and a parenting and youth education program. Based on the needs of the particular community it serves, each agency likewise offers additional services, ranging from on-site therapists, lending libraries, and in-home parenting support.
• Utah Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) - The Utah WIC program provides services and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday. They offer one-on-one nutrition counseling as well as offer a wide-array of nutrition education, personalized breastfeeding support, referrals to other public health programs and health care providers.
• Preventing Child Abuse
  • Report Child Abuse / Neglect to the hotline at 855-323-3237
  • Prevention 
  • Child Protective Services 
  • Utah Foster Care 
• Utah PTA: Parent and Family Resources

You can view the Parent Seminar with Saprea's Chris Yadon - Top 5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Child Abuse - (April 15, 2025) using this link here.

Centro de Recursos de Salud Mental en Español (Mental Health America0

SAMHSA Conductual Salud y Salud Mental 

Organización local de Utah: Latino Behavioral Health Services

MCSD families can contact ML, Refugee and Immigrant Coordinator Cris Westerfield at cwesterfield@murrayschools.org. 

• Department of Workforce Services 
• THRIVE Center for Survivors of Torture offers holistic services to survivors of torture living in Utah, as well as training for those who work with or may encounter torture survivors.

Youth Services Website

Phone: 385-468-4512

Youth Services provides safety, shelter, and support to youth and families residing in Salt Lake County. Their comprehensive services are delivered to families without any associated costs.  Their main office is located in South Salt Lake, supplemented by an additional office in West Jordan. They provide counseling, parenting classes, depression-prevention classes for youth, family peer support, a 24-hour crisis shelter for youth ages 8-17, and transitional living for young adults experiencing homelessness.

Navigating the digital world is challenging for everyone, and especially for our youth. Here are a variety of resources that may support you and your family on the journey!

• Center for Digital Thriving
• Common Sense Media
• Child Mind Institute: Parent's Guide to Screen Time and Technology 
• Better Screen Time / Book: Creating a Tech Healthy Family
• LIV Project: Side Effects of Social Media
• Recording of Dr. Sarah Coyne's Social Media & Mental Health Presentation (February 1, 2024)
• "Screenagers" Documentary Resources
  • Prosocial Video Games  
  • Digital Citizenship Resources
  • Internet Addiction
  • Parenting Apps
  • Sleep & Screens
  • Mindfulness Apps
  • Wait Until 8th

Special education services are tailored educational programs and support systems designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities. Special education services typically include individualized instruction, accommodations, and modifications to the curriculum to help students access learning materials and achieve academic success. Additionally, special education may involve related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and assistive technology. The goal of special education is to provide students with the tools, support, and resources they need to reach their full potential and participate in educational opportunities alongside their peers.

Each school has their own Special Education teacher(s) and team. Contact your school's Principal with questions or to get in touch with the Special Education team.

Contact MCSD's Special Education Department with any questions you may have.

Additional Resources:

• Utah Parent Center: The Utah Parent Center offers support, training, and resources for parents of children with disabilities. Visit their website or contact them for more information.

Substance use, and particularly during youth and adolescents, is very impactful to the developing brain. Check out these resources to help support your student. (More coming)

• Salt Lake County Youth Services
  • 8781 S Redwood Road Suite 100, West Jordan UT 84088
  • 385-468-4610

Vaping Prevention Resources:

• CATCH My Breath: Parent Toolkit (English)
• CATCH My Breath: Parent Toolkit (Spanish)

Marijuana Prevention Resources:

• Gray Matters Utah 

Alcohol Prevention Resources:

• "Talk. They Hear You".
  • Visit their website to learn more about their mobile app! 
  • Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals
  • Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression
  • Answering Your Child’s Tough Questions
  • Impaired Driving: Talk With Your Kids
  • Why Your Child Might Start Drinking Alcohol
  • How To Tell If Your Child Is Drinking Alcohol
  • What You Can Do To Prevent Your Child From Drinking Alcohol
  • The Consequences of Underage Drinking

Suicide Prevention is a community effort. MCSD follows State rule by requiring educators to be trained in QPR (Question, Persaude, Refer) at least once every three years. Additionally, the district offers training in QPR to parents and community members annually. 

MCSD educators can register for QPR courses on MIDAS using course code #63490. 

Community members are welcome to participate in QPR annually. For dates please email Sierra Marsh at smarsh@murrayschools.org.

 

Murray City School District wants to support your child in reaching all of their developmental milestones. HB 331, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, requires a student to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. As part of our support to your family, our social workers will provide resources to your family to help you at home to get them toilet trained. We will ensure that your child will be reintegrated seamlessly when they do become toilet trained. There are many approaches that people take during the toilet training / potty learning process. Use the one that feels right for you and your family.

Toilet Training Tips

1. Look for Signs of Readiness: Showing interest in the toilet, staying dry for longer periods, understanding basic instructions.
2. Create a Routine: Establish a regular routine, including times for sitting on the potty, such as after meals or before bedtime.
3. Make it Fun: Some families chose to use positive reinforcement such as stickers, other families may sign songs while on the potty.
4. Use Child-Friendly Language: Use simple and clear language to explain the process. Avoid pressure and negativity, instead focus on encouragement and support
5. Lead by Example: Let your child observe you using the toilet to understand what to do. This helps to normalize the process.
6. Provide Comfort:Use a child-sized potty or a toilet seat insert to make sitting on the toilet more comfortable and secure for your child.
7. Be Patient: Understand that accidents will happen and setbacks are normal. Stay calm, offer reassurance, and avoid showing frustration or disappointment.
8. Practice Consistency: Stick to a consistent routine and approach to toilet training.
   Consistency helps reinforce learning and build confidence.
9. Offer Encouragement: Praise your child for every effort, even if they don't succeed every time.
   Encouragement and positive reinforcement go a long way in motivating vour child.
10. Stay Supportive:Be supportive and understanding throughout the process. Let your child know that it's okay to make mistakes and that you're there to help them learn.

Resources

BOOKS

• "Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right" by Jaime Glowacki
• "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day" by Nathan Azrin and Richard M. Foxx
• "The First Time Parent's Guide to Potty Training" by Jazmine McCoy

Children's Books:

• "The Potty Train" by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison
• "Potty" by Leslie Patricelli
• "Everyone Poops" by Taro Gomi and Amanda Mayer Stinchecum
• "Daniel Goes to the Potty" by Maggie Testa and Jason Fruchter
• "A Potty for Me!" by Karen Katz
• "Let's Go To The Potty" by Allison Jandu
• "Let's Get This Potty Started" by Rose Rossner and Vicki Gausden
• "Dino Potty, Learn to Potty with Dino" by Rainstorm Publishing, Kidsbook Publishing, and Michael Garton
• "Where Do You Poop" by Agnese Baruzzi

WEBSITES AND ONLINE RESOURCES

• HealthyChildren: This is the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. They offer comprehensive guidance on toilet training, including articles, tips, and FAQs.
• Parents: Provides articles, expert advice, and tips on toilet training children.
• Pull-Ups: Offers a variety of resources including articles, tools, and guides for parents going through the potty training process.
• WebMD Parenting Center: Provides information on child development, including toilet training tips and advice from pediatricians.
• Big Little Feelings: Potty Training Made Simple
• Good Inside: Potty Learning Workshop 

MOBILE APPS

• Potty Time with Elmo: An interactive app featuring Sesame Street characters that helps children learn about potty training
• Pull-Ups Big Kid App: Provides tools and resources for parents, including a customizable potty training plan and tracking tools.

PARENTING BLOGS AND FORUMS

• The Child Whisperer: This blog offers advice, tips, and personal experiences shared by parents going through the potty training journey.
• WhatToExpect Community: Offers forums where parents can ask questions, share experiences, and seek support from other parents.

PEDIATRICIAN

Parents may encounter challenges or have questions about their child's readiness for toilet training. In such cases, consulting with a pediatrician can provided personalized guidance and support.

In Murray, Utah, and many other areas, there are often programs and providers that offer low-cost utilities and internet services to eligible individuals and families. Here are some resources you can explore:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP helps low-income households with their home energy bills, including heating, cooling, and weatherization assistance. Contact your local Community Action Program or visit the Utah Department of Workforce Services website for more information on LIHEAP in Murray.
• Rocky Mountain Power's Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEE): Rocky Mountain Power offers energy efficiency services and financial assistance to eligible low-income customers to help them reduce their energy bills. Visit Rocky Mountain Power's website or contact them for details on available programs in Murray.
• CenturyLink Internet Basics: CenturyLink offers the Internet Basics program, providing low-cost internet service to eligible low-income households. Visit the CenturyLink website or contact them for information on availability and eligibility in Murray.
• Comcast Internet Essentials: Comcast offers the Internet Essentials program, providing low-cost internet service to eligible low-income families. Visit the Comcast website or contact them for information on availability and eligibility in Murray.
• Utah Lifeline Program: Lifeline is a federal program that provides a discount on monthly telephone or internet service for eligible low-income households. Contact your telephone or internet service provider for information on Lifeline availability and eligibility in Murray.

MCSD and its schools have a variety of clothing donations available to students. Contact SBMH for assistance and connections to local providers. 

• Dessert Industries 
• Goodwill

The School-Based Mental Health (SBMH)( Team is able to support students individually with a variety of needs. Working with your School Social Worker or School Psychologist is not clinical therapy. SBMH supports focus on how to support a child to be successful in school, which often means helping the child cope with stressors, problem solve, and navigate the educational setting.

Often, working with the SBMH team is on a short term or as needed basis. MCSD is not a mental health agency and does not provide diagnoses and/or treatment to students. MCSD does not provide mental health support services outside of school days/hours. There may be circumstances in which it may be beneficial for the SBMH Team Member to refer the student/family to an outside mental health agency/provider. The SBMH Team member will consult with the student and family to find appropriate community/agency support beyond what is available through school-based mental health services. Contact your SBMH Personnel to discuss possible referrals to this support.

Parent/Guardian permission is required for individual SBMH support.

Groups are one of the most helpful tools of School-Based Mental Health support. Students are grouped together based on similar needs or experiences that would be beneficial to be addressed by a trained facilitator.

Possible group support may include:

• Coping Strategies
• Social Skills
• Executive Functioning Skills (Problem Solving, Decision Making)
• Emotional Regulation / Coping with Big Emotions
• Handling Stress and Distress
• And more

Parent/Guardian permission is required for group SBMH support.

School Social Workers are often involved in classroom support. This may include individual or group behavioral support, facilitating restorative circles after conflict, or simply doing a fun activity!

Each of Murray City School District's schools has various tools that the School Social Worker may use to facilitate monthly Character Education lessons. Contact your school's SBMH Personnel for what programs may be available at your student(s)' school.

School Social Workers are an important member of the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports model. School Social Workers operate across all tiers to support the whole school population, at risk students, and high risk students. Their universal support includes; school wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, Bullying Prevention, Suicide Prevention and Student Wellness Programming, Mental Health Awareness, positive educator - student relationships, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, pre-correction strategies, corrective feedback, mental health screening (currently offered by parent sign up), differential reinforcement and classroom management, participation in school teams, advocating for students and their families, Home/School/Community liaison, and source of community resources for all families.

School-Based Mental Health Personnel are able to support families by connecting them to various wrap-around services and community referrals. These supports may include linkages to food pantries, transportation and housing needs, job assistance, household needs and supplies, parenting classes or supports, mental health resources, and more.

Please visit the Community Resources page for additional information on a variety of resources.

Additionally, Parent Guidance.org is a great resource for families looking for more support. They offer parent coaching and free online, on demand parenting courses. Visit ParentGuidance.org for more information.

The SBMH Team may be involved with supporting students who are on an Individualized Education Program or accommodations under a Section 504 Plan. This is not a requirement of an IEP or 504, but is determined by the IEP or 504 team and based on student need. Contact your student(s)' SBMH Personnel or Special Education Teacher for more information.

The Murray SBMH team offers free mental health screenings for students with active parent consent. Parent/guardians receive the results of the screening and review those results with a member of the School-Based Mental Health team. Additionally, community resources are provided at the time of the screening.

Throughout the school year, there will be several Mental Health Screening events offered. Parents are invited to sign up their student(s) to participate. Parents can sign up on Parent Square. If you have questions or would like to discuss mental health screenings, you may contact Prevention Specialist Sierra Marsh. 

Mental Health Screenings are completed using an online platform, Terrace Metrics. Terrace Metrics is a computer-based program that screens youth mental health based on several key indicators. These include depression and anxiety, but also strength measures such as resilience, leadership, and life satisfaction. Working with Terrace Metrics and using their Resiliency and Wellness System is a long-term solution that consistently builds resilience within students and schools. Not just students who may need assistance, but maintaining levels among students that are already doing well. This is important because resiliency is a leading factor in optimal school performance. The Terrace Metrics system promotes resilience by involving key resources in each school and parents. Parents have access to all items prior to giving their consent, and they can receive a report of their child's results.  These results are linked to parent-specific videos and other resources, designed to help improve an area of focus. Educators have access to the deidentified, aggregate results.  Terrace Metrics works with educators to link the results to school wide and group- and individual-focused content. All content is skills-based and designed to increase resilience scores in key areas.