School’s Out, Care Isn’t—Legacy Offers Pediatric and Mental Health Services All Summer Long

School may be out, but your child’s emotions don’t take a vacation. Legacy Community Health keeps school-based health therapy and pediatric services available all summer — plus, we offer convenient telehealth visits that fit your family’s busy schedule.

Legacy delivers holistic care that goes beyond the basics—combining expert support, family-focused resources, and a safe place where children feel truly seen and heard.

Summer Freedom, Emotional Shifts

Summer means sunshine and free time — but it can also bring emotional challenges. Without the structure of the school day or access to trusted adults like teachers or counselors, some kids may struggle with anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes. That’s where Legacy’s school-based health team steps in to bridge the gap.

Many families assume therapy pauses when school lets out, but summer can be the perfect opportunity to build new skills, reconnect emotionally, and prepare for the year ahead.

Therapy That Fits Your Summer Schedule

With more open schedules during the summer, many kids and teens are more available for consistent therapy. It’s a great time for them to reflect on the past school year and build new skills to better handle the year ahead. And thanks to telehealth, they can do so in a way that fits their comfort and privacy needs—right from home.

Legacy offers:

• Licensed pediatric therapists specializing in anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and more
• Teletherapy appointments in English and Spanish
• Convenient scheduling options, with greater availability in the summer
• Services for children of all ages, from elementary through high school
• Parental involvement, when appropriate, to support lasting change

As Licensed Clinical Social Worker Pilar Valenzuela Silva explains, “It’s important for parents to be involved in their child’s development and care. At Legacy, we provide services with families in mind—offering support to both children and parents.”

Mental Health Support Should Never Clock Out

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Mental Health, suicide is a leading cause of death among minority youth ages 15 to 24—a sobering reminder of what’s at stake when consistent mental health support is missing.

Mental health concerns among students have reached alarming levels in recent years. Anxiety, depression, and self-harm are rising, particularly among middle school girls — but troubling signs can appear as early as fourth grade.

For many families, financial stress, isolation, and family conflicts make this time even harder. Legacy offers important resources and proactive support to help families work through these challenges together.

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor Vivian Echevarria Guzman explains, “We work with students to uncover the root causes of their stress. Sometimes therapy is individual, other times it involves the whole family. It’s all about what’s best for the child.”

Healthy Summer Habits: Tools Families Can Use

Legacy therapists often incorporate DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) techniques, focusing on skills kids can practice at home. One key tool is the PLEASE skill set, which promotes daily habits that support emotional stability. Here’s how families can apply these this summer:

• P – Physical Health: Keep up with doctor visits and medication schedules. Legacy offers pediatric appointments across clinics and via telehealth all summer.
• L – Limit Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens to improve sleep, mood, and attention.
• E – Eat Mindfully: Choose meals and snacks that fuel body and mind. Plan ahead with healthy options like frozen fruit instead of chips.
• A – Avoid Mood-Altering Substances: Help teens understand the risks of using drugs or alcohol to cope. Legacy can connect you with support if concerns arise.
• S – Sleep Routine: Aim for 6–8 hours of sleep and build a relaxing bedtime routine. Talk with a therapist or doctor about healthy sleep habits.
• E – Exercise Regularly: Just 30 minutes a day can improve mood and regulate emotions—walk, play, or try a virtual class.

“Summer is an excellent time for families to model and build healthy habits,” says Echevarria-Guzman. “Small daily choices can make a big difference in a child’s emotional well-being.”

Care That Respects Culture

Mental health stigma can be a powerful barrier—especially in many minority and immigrant communities, where issues like depression or self-harm are often misunderstood, minimized, or not talked about at all. At Legacy, we’re committed to breaking these barriers through care that respects and reflects the cultural values of the families we serve.

Too often, communities may believe that mental health struggles “don’t happen here” or that self-harm is only something girls experience. These myths can prevent children from getting the help they need. By addressing stigma head-on, we ensure that every child—regardless of background—has access to compassionate, culturally responsive care.

Each July, during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to mental wellness for all. Legacy’s care is:

• Culturally sensitive and rooted in respect for diverse backgrounds
• Available in multiple languages to serve families in the way they feel most understood
• Accessible and inclusive, accepting Medicaid, CHIP, most private insurance, and offering sliding scale fees

Take the First Step—We’ll Help With the Rest

This summer, give your child the tools they need to stay healthy — mentally and physically. Our pediatricians and therapists are ready to partner with you to support your child’s well-being year-round.

• Call us at (832) 548-5000
• Visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org to learn more or book an appointment
• In-person and telehealth visits are available
• New patients welcome

Supporting your child’s health is a 365-day commitment at Legacy Community Health.