Times are changing in the world of mental health care. While social media has helped normalize talking about feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger, it has also created a surge in demand for therapy. That demand is celebrated but does have drawbacks, like finding enough therapists to meet the need. Elijah, 15, hardly knows a world where mental health is the subject of stigma."At the end of the day, I needed help," Elijah said. However, Elijah and his mom are keenly aware that access to help can sometimes be difficult to access."My number one job is to advocate for my child," said mom Amber Tremaine, who was running into two to three-month waitlists for psychiatrists, until her kids were able to get counseling through school. "It's made a huge difference."Clinical therapist Kim Story's private practice is perpetually booked, with weekslong waitlists. Many people who reach out, however, are in imminent crisis. "That's probably the hardest part, is knowing that I can't always meet that need right away," Story said. Where seeking mental health support was once taboo, therapy is now widely considered a sign of self-love. Story said that is, in large part, thanks to social media advocacy. "We're excited to see more people getting the help that they need. Super excited that the stigma is not really as present as it used to be," Story said. However, that comes at a cost for families looking for care. "There's only so many clinicians out here in the community at this time."With therapy in such high demand, parents might chalk challenging behavior up to growing pains instead of seeking help."Just knowing your child and knowing then what their normal is," said Tremaine, who picked up on her 7-year-old Bryson's anger, noticing he was withdrawn and not enjoying basketball or drawing. "When I notice that he's not doing those things that, you know, a typical 7-year-old should be doing, it just kind of raises those red flags for me."Despite the shortage of mental health professionals, Story encourages parents to be proactive when they see those red flags and keep aiming for the right support."I say keep reaching out. Don't wait. If you're unsure, still call and ask," Story said, adding there are online resources that can be useful in the meantime until a therapist is available. Tremaine said she never passes up the chance to talk openly about mental well-being. "It's OK to feel sad sometimes, but to be able to do it in a healthy way," said Tremaine, who strives to lead by example and share her own experiences with her kids."She helped me and I helped her," 7-year-old Bryson said. Tremaine even goes to therapy at the same time as Elijah, her oldest. "She's getting the help she needs and she deserves, and I see it changing her in a good, positive way," Elijah said.