New data reveals a concerning rise in cyberbullying, with more than half of teens reporting they have experienced some form of it. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are central to modern social life, are often where this emotional harm unfolds. Unlike traditional bullying that might end at the school bell, cyberbullying is a 24/7 issue that can follow a child into the safety of their home, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

One of the most insidious forms of digital bullying is a phenomenon known as “relational bullying.” This is not about a physical threat but about a strategic and hurtful campaign to damage a person’s social standing. It often takes the form of spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or screenshots, or, perhaps most painfully, intentionally excluding someone from online group chats and social circles. In a world where a child’s social life is increasingly lived online, this kind of exclusion can be devastating.

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, our mission is to empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow. This includes helping parents and kids navigate the complex and often painful

So, how can you help?

• Talk, and more importantly, listen. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their digital life, including both the positive and the challenging aspects. Ask open-ended questions about their friends, what they’re seeing online, and how specific platforms make them feel.
• Set healthy boundaries. Work with your child to establish a family media plan. This isn’t about punishment but about setting healthy habits. Consider “device-free” times, or having all devices charged in a common area overnight.
• Know the signs. Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior. Are they becoming withdrawn or secretive about their device use? Are they showing signs of depression or anxiety? These could be red flags that something is wrong.
• Be a digital role model. Show your children what respectful online behavior looks like. Think before you post, and model kindness and empathy in your own digital interactions.

A Strong Call to Action

Bullying in any form is unacceptable. This October, let’s use National Bullying Prevention Month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our children about the unique challenges of the digital age. By working together, we can empower our kids to be resilient, compassionate, and safe, both online and off.

If you are a parent or caregiver and are concerned about the mental health of your child, LFCS is here to help. Our behavioral health therapists and counselors offer compassionate and professional support for families navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress caused by bullying. You don’t have to face this alone.

For more resources and to learn how our behavioral health services can support your family, please get in touch with us at lfcsmo.org or help@lfcs.org or call 866-326-LFCS (5327).

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings a critical issue into national focus: the mental health of young people. The AAP now recommends that all children and teens receive annual screenings for mental and behavioral health concerns—a step that Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) fully supports. A full copy of the AAP’s new report is available here.

This new report arrives at a critical time, as September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a time to break down stigma and open the door for conversations that can save lives. The AAP’s findings align with a crisis we see every day in our communities. In Missouri, the situation is particularly urgent: suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 19, and the state’s suicide rate is 48% higher than the national average. For years, LFCS has witnessed these struggles firsthand, working with children and families on the front lines of this crisis.

“Screening is the first step, but it’s only effective if young people have access to care,” said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “It’s crucial that children and teens have a place where they can be heard and connected with the right support to address their mental health needs.”

Knowing the warning signs can empower us to take action before a crisis escalates. Some of the most common indicators include:

• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Talking about death or giving away possessions

For a more detailed examination of these signs, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

At LFCS, suicide prevention isn’t just a focus for one month—it’s part of our counseling and support services year-round. Our team of licensed counselors provides safe spaces for young people to share their struggles. We help teens and their families uncover hope and build resilience. We understand that mental health does not exist in isolation; family stress, trauma, or identity struggles can all contribute to a sense of hopelessness. By addressing the whole picture, we help individuals move from crisis toward stability and strength.

How You Can Make a Difference

Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of professionals alone—it takes all of us. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Start conversations. Ask your loved ones how they are doing. Do not shy away from talking about mental health.
• Share resources. Remind people that help is available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
• Reduce stigma. Challenge harmful myths and encourage open discussions about mental health in your family, school, and community.
• Support organizations. Your donations and volunteer hours make it possible for agencies like LFCS to provide counseling and support. For more ways to support, you can read our blog on Giving Resources for National Suicide Prevention Month.

An essential part of prevention is also being proactive. To learn more about how self-care can be a powerful tool in suicide prevention, you can read our previous blog post here: Self-Care Awareness and Suicide Prevention: A Unified Approach.

For more information on LFCS’s services, or to seek help, please visit lfcsmo.org or call our toll-free number at 866-326-LFCS (5327).

Missouri’s Mental Health Rankings: A Wake-Up Call

Recent studies have made it clear—Missouri is facing a mental health crisis:

• According to data from Mental Health America, Missouri ranked 44^th in the list of states with the best mental health care. (https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf)

• Missouri children between the ages of 14-18 have a 22% higher suicide rate than the national average (https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/missouri/)

• 23,301 children and adolescents reported having a serious emotional disturbance in 2024, with depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma/stress disorders being the three most common. (https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2024/12/sr2024-section-a_0.pdf)

• Data from a Quote Wizard study revealed that 23% of Missourians have a mental illness, but only 11% of those with mental illnesses received care. The study also revealed that 19% of Missourians with a mental illness do not have insurance. (Best States for Mental Health Care – QuoteWizard).

• The lack of qualified mental health providers, affordability of services, and underfunding mental health has made it difficult for those with mental health issues to seek treatment. (https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/aisha-sultan/missouris-mental-health-ranking-is-among-the-worst-in-the-country-why-and-how-can/article_d378d82e-fe44-5a35-85d0-242ae68ffa47.html)

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent our friends, neighbors, children, and loved ones who cannot afford or are unable to get the support they need.

LFCS Is Answering the Call

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we recognize the urgency of Missouri’s mental health needs—especially among children and adolescents—and we are working tirelessly to respond.

“Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being,” said Lindsay Jefferies, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that LFCS is here to support and guide those struggling. We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.”

Since the pandemic, LFCS has:

• Expanded our mental health services statewide, reaching more families in both urban and rural communities.

• Opened new offices in Kanas City & updated our Columbia & Joplin offices, giving clients in these regions more offices & places to connect with our therapists.

• Launched and strengthened telehealth options, making therapy accessible to those unable to travel to an office.

• Kept our services low- or no-cost, so that financial limitations are never a barrier to care.

• Made an aggressive push to hire new therapists, to help meet the growing demand for behavioral health support.

We understand that access to care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether someone is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or just needs someone to talk to, LFCS is here to help.

“We are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jefferies. “We encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from mental health support to contact us.”

Mental health struggles among youth and teens are a growing concern across the nation, but the impact within the African American community is especially alarming. Despite making strides in raising awareness about mental health, systemic inequities, cultural stigmas, and a history of mistrust in healthcare systems continue to pose barriers to access and care.

New federal data reveals even more troubling trends among Black youth. In 2022, the suicide rate among Black youth aged 10 to 19 surpassed that of their White peers for the first time. Since 2018, the rate for Black youth has surged by 54%, compared to a 17% decrease for White youth. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate among Black adolescents aged 10 to 17 rose by 144%, making this one of the fastest-growing mental health crises among racial and ethnic groups. (Sources: SAMHSA, Watson Coleman Taskforce Report)

The Unique Challenges Facing Black Adolescents

Black adolescents face unique risk factors that exacerbate their vulnerability to mental health challenges:

• Lack of Access and Utilization of Mental Healthcare Disparities in access to mental health services often prevent timely and effective treatment. Historic mistreatment of Black Americans in healthcare has bred mistrust, leaving many hesitant to seek professional help.
• Exposure to Racism and Discrimination Experiences of racism and discrimination can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Yet, Black adolescents are significantly less likely than their peers in other demographic groups to receive care for depression.
• Economic Inequality Financial hardships and living in impoverished conditions increase stress and limit access to mental health resources, perpetuating cycles of untreated mental illness.

• Community Violence and Trauma Exposure to violence within communities can result in trauma, a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Mental Health Stigma Many Black families address mental health issues privately, rather than seeking external professional help, due to stigma and mistrust of the healthcare system. Adolescents may also fear being teased by peers for receiving mental health treatment. (Source: Newport Academy)

LFCS: Committed to Every Child’s Mental Health

LFCS recognizes the impact that mental health conditions have within the African American communities in Missouri. We are committed to being part of the solution and will continue to answer the call for those seeking help during their most difficult days. Every child deserves access to mental health care; which is why we offer little to no-cost mental health services throughout the state.

Our services include:

• Outpatient Therapy: Personalized care to support children and families.
• Telehealth Options: Accessible mental health care for those unable or not comfortable visiting in person.
• School Counseling: In-school services in St. Louis and Kansas City area schools to meet children where they are.

Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns, LFCS is here to provide evidence-based, compassionate care. Together, we can create a brighter future for every child in Missouri.

Counseling is ideal for addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Disruptive Behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, fostering a continuous, supportive relationship between the counselor and the client. This process helps clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience over time.

At LFCS, our counseling services are tailored to children and families’ unique needs, ensuring evidence-based care that promotes growth and healing. Learn more here.

Psychiatry is particularly effective for managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Psychotic Symptoms, and Anxiety. Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications to stabilize symptoms. Follow-up sessions are typically less frequent than counseling sessions and focus on reviewing and adjusting treatment as needed.

LFCS psychiatry services provide children and adolescents with access to specialized care, including evaluations, medication management, and care planning. Learn more here.

At LFCS, we are proud to offer a range of mental health services tailored to meet the needs of children and families. Our counseling services are available in most areas across Missouri, providing therapeutic guidance and support wherever it’s needed. Additionally, we offer psychiatry services, including medical intervention, exclusively in St. Louis County and Franklin County. Please call us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) for availability of our behavioral health services in your area.

If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, LFCS is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step toward a brighter future.

The following story was submitted by an LFCS behavioral health counselor.

I met Albert when he was in 4th grade. His teacher referred him to our school counseling program for anger and social skill issues. At that time, he and his mother were living with his mother’s father, Albert’s grandfather. However, his mother was rarely home. Albert never saw his father. Albert was struggling in school.

Social interactions were hard for him, so he did not have many real friends. It did not help that he was often angry, and wasn’t able to control his temper very well. Albert had reasons to be angry – one of which was he had been physically abused by two of his mother’s boyfriends.

Seek professional help.

If the symptoms or issues that your child is experiencing are interfering with their daily activities, seeking a mental health professional to help would be advised. LFCS offers tailored behavioral services for children and evidence-based approaches to help your child overcome their challenges. For more information about our mental health services or to schedule an appointment, please visit lfcsmo.org/counseling.