Summer is in full swing, and busy families have a lot on their plates. From afternoons at the swimming hole to camping under the stars to 4th of July festivities, summer is the stuff childhood memories are made of!
While it’s important to have fun and enjoy warm-weather activities, summer is also a great time to practice mental health planning for the new school year! Below, we look at the importance of prioritizing mental health all year long.
Why Early Planning Matters
The transition from summer to school can be stressful for students of all ages. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, navigating middle school, or preparing for the leap into high school or college, big changes often bring big emotions. Academic pressure, social dynamics, new environments, and even the return to structured routines can cause anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional fatigue.
If your child or teen is already managing a mental health condition like ADHD, anxiety, or depression, it’s especially important to get ahead of any potential disruptions. Early medication management and mental health planning can help prevent last-minute stress and set them up for success before the school year even begins.
The Mental Health Stigma and Why It’s Time to Leave It Behind
Even today, many families hesitate to seek mental health support out of fear, shame, or the belief that things aren’t bad enough yet. But mental health isn’t about crisis management. It’s about building resilience, support, and emotional regulation before things feel unmanageable.
If your child had a recurring sports injury or chronic health condition, you wouldn’t hesitate to get treatment and care. The same goes for emotional wellness. Seeking support isn’t a weakness. It’s an investment in your child’s well-being, confidence, and long-term success.
Talking openly about mental health also sets a powerful example. It teaches your child that their emotional world matters, that support is available, and that they don’t have to go it alone.
Key Steps to Take Before August
Here are a few simple ways to support your child’s mental health while there’s still time to prepare:
Schedule appointments early. Summer calendars fill up fast, and so do provider schedules. Booking check-ins now ensures your child has time to adjust medications, revisit therapy goals, or simply check in before the back-to-school rush.
Review and update medications. If your child takes medication for ADHD, anxiety, or depression, summer is an ideal time to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and whether any changes are needed for the new academic year.
Connect with school support teams. From IEP meetings to updated 504 plans, now is the time to communicate with school counselors or learning support staff about any changes or ongoing needs.
Start the conversation early. Checking in with your child about how they’re feeling can ease the transition ahead. What are they excited about? Nervous about? Talking now helps normalize emotions before school starts.
How Telepsychiatry Can Help
One of the biggest advantages of telepsychiatry is its flexibility. Families can access care from home, during travel, or between summer camps. No commuting, no waiting rooms, and no disruption to summer plans. Telepsychiatry also supports continuity of care, so your child can stay connected to trusted providers even as schedules shift.
By taking action in June or July, you give your child the chance to enter the school year feeling supported, regulated, and ready, not rushed, anxious, or off-balance.
Need Support? Start Now
Planning ahead doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Reach out to Advanced Telepsych at 888-344-3893 to schedule an appointment. A little early preparation now can make a big difference in the months ahead.
If you are in emotional distress or know someone who is, seek immediate help by calling 9-1-1 or 9-8-8 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
