My teenage child is struggling psychologically. Where can we get support?

In an emergency: If there is a risk that your child might harm themselves or others, call 112 immediately or go to the emergency department for child and adolescent psychiatry at the nearest hospital. The Berliner Krisendienst offers free support in a crisis, anonymously if you wish.

Family counselling centres (Erziehungs- und Familienberatung): Berlin has 28 centres. Parents, children and young people can go there free of charge; no doctor's referral or Jugendamt application is needed. Teenagers can also go on their own. An interpreter can be arranged if needed.

Child and adolescent psychiatric service (Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst, KJPD): Every district's health office has one. Doctors, psychologists and social workers provide free assessment and advice.

School and doctor: The school social worker (Schulsozialarbeit) and the school psychology centre (SIBUZ) can be first points of contact. Your paediatrician can also refer you to a child and adolescent psychotherapist; statutory health insurance covers the cost of therapy.

Helplines: For young people, «Nummer gegen Kummer» 116 111; for parents, the «Elterntelefon» 0800 111 0 550. Both are free and anonymous.

Take care of yourself too: Adjusting to a new country is hard for both young people and parents. Family counselling centres can support you as well; you are not alone.