The County’s Division of Children’s Services offers no-cost services and programs for those in need.

In the digital age of social media and online interactions, many of us are guilty of becoming glued to our phones or doom scrolling. 

While often helpful, having the world at your fingertips can sometimes do more harm than good, especially in young people. 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dr. Jeannie Willsie, with Hillsborough County Children’s Services, says she sees kids and teens struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress from social media. 

She encourages parents and caregivers to look out for changes in behavior and get help if symptoms become too much to bear. 

 

Signs of anxiety and depression can include: 

  • Excessive worry and fear
  • Disturbances in mood 
  • Impaired sleep 
  • Decreased energy 
  • Decreased self-esteem 
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Change in appetite 

Children’s Services offers a free Community Counseling program for families with youth ages 6 to 17. Trained counselors are available to meet for sessions throughout Hillsborough County with flexible daytime and evening hours.

Participants will receive: 

  • A psychosocial assessment
  • Individual, group, and family counseling
  • Linkages to community services for ongoing support
  • 30- and 60-day follow-ups

Community Counseling is part of The Children & Families in Need of Services program that is designed to help families with youth who are more susceptible to becoming involved with the juvenile delinquency or dependency systems.  

Another component is Residential Respite, which offers free, short-term residential services for youth ages 10 to 17. 

The goal of these programs is to reduce juvenile crime while assisting, supporting, and strengthening the youth and families in Hillsborough County. 

Hillsborough County Mindful Mondays 

Mindful Mondays promotes different ways you can make your mental health a priority, despite having a busy schedule. From chair yoga virtual classes to tips on how to decompress after a long day, Hillsborough County's Mindful Mondays has various interactive resources for you to access, no matter what day or time it is. New content is updated on a continuing basis.