Finding a Mental Health Provider for Youth With IBD: ICN Guide

Content note: Reviewed for patient education accuracy against publicly available guidance from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and major IBD education sources. Last reviewed June 2026. Not individual medical advice.

Educational use only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.

Comprehensive IBD care increasingly includes mental health. The ImproveCareNow Finding a Mental Health Provider Guide is a four-page co-produced resource from ICN's Social Worker and Psychologist (SWAP) group.

What the guide explains

• Why addressing mental health is part of whole-person IBD care
• How to find and vet a mental health provider
• What to expect during counseling sessions
• Working with your GI team alongside therapy

Downloads

English and Spanish PDF versions are on the ICN tools page:

• Finding a Mental Health Provider Guide (English)
• Finding a Mental Health Provider Guide (Spanish)

When to use this guide

Consider it if your child has persistent anxiety about flares, school avoidance, low mood, sleep disruption, or difficulty adjusting to diagnosis or medications. Pair with IBDPal's depression and anxiety article and stress coping strategies.

Related: stress and anxiety guide, pediatric caregivers, teens and social life.

Photos: Unsplash License (free use).

Source: Finding A Mental Health Provider Guide by ImproveCareNow (CC license). IBDPal is not an ICN partner.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding dietary, medication, or lifestyle decisions.