Helping Kids Thrive: Avera Behavioral Health’s Commitment to Families 

*Photos by Patty Solis

Sponsored by Avera Behavioral Health

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

For Dr. Jennifer Keating, supporting children’s mental health isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling. 

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Avera Behavioral Health, Dr. Keating works with children, teens, and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges. She’s also the mother of two young daughters, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges today’s families face. 

At Avera Behavioral Health, Dr. Keating is part of a team providing care across the full spectrum of mental health services. 

When Should Parents Seek Help? 

One of the most difficult questions for parents is knowing when a child may need additional support. 

According to Dr. Keating, parents should pay attention to noticeable changes in their child’s behavior, routines, or personality. A child who suddenly withdraws from friends, experiences changes in sleep or eating habits, or becomes unusually irritable may be signaling that something deeper is going on. 

“In adults, we think of low mood and sadness,” Dr. Keating says. “But for kids, oftentimes depression can present as irritability.” 

She stressed that parents know their children best. If you feel like something is off, trust your instinct. Start by having conversations with your child. Sometimes the best discussions happen while driving, taking a walk, or doing another activity side-by-side rather than sitting face-to-face. 

If concerns continue, reach out to their primary care provider. 

Primary care providers can help determine whether a physical cause may be contributing to behavioral changes and can connect families with therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other specialists when needed. 

Two Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health 

As both a psychiatrist and a mom who practices these tips with her own family, Dr. Keating believes there are practical things families can do every day to support their children’s emotional well-being. 

1. Put the Phone Down 

Dr.Keating believes one of the most important things parents can do in today’s modern world is be intentional about putting their phones down. 

“When parents are on their phone, for kids, it’s like removing their presence from their lives,” she says. 

Children recognize when parents are distracted, even at a young age. Being fully engaged, whether during dinner, playtime, or a simple conversation, helps build the connection children need to feel supported. 

2. Listen More Than You Talk 

When children come to parents with problems, the natural instinct is often to fix them. 

“One of the main things I hear kids, adolescents in particular, say when they come into the hospital is, ‘I just want mom and dad to listen.'” 

Children often want to feel heard before they receive advice. Listen and resist the urge to immediately solve the problem; by doing so, you can help create a space where kids feel comfortable sharing. 

Connection-Seeking Behaviors 

When a child is trying to get a parent’s or another adult’s attention, they can have what many would consider to be negative attention-seeking behaviors. 

Rather than viewing those moments negatively, Dr. Keating encourages adults to see them differently. 

“Look at that as connection-seeking behaviors. When you think of it that way, it’s a kid who just needs a connection with an adult in their life,” she says. 

Caring for Families Across South Dakota 

Mental health challenges among children and teens are more common than many people realize. Yet stigma can still make it difficult for families to seek support. 

Dr. Keating hopes parents understand they are not alone. 

At Avera Behavioral Health, that reality is reflected in the wide range of services available throughout the region. The organization continues to invest in programs that meet families where they are. 

As the state’s primary behavioral health center, Avera serves families from Sioux Falls and communities across South Dakota and the surrounding region. 

For Dr. Keating, the work aligns closely with Avera’s mission of caring for people when they need it most. 

“We’re gonna help those who can’t help themselves by giving them some tools to interact with their environments in a more successful way,” she says. 

Whether a family is navigating everyday challenges, seeking therapy for the first time, or facing a mental health crisis, Dr. Keating wants parents to know support is available and that asking for help can be one of the most important steps toward helping a child thrive. 

Services Offered at Avera Behavioral Health 

“Every day we have an opportunity to step into a family’s life at one of the toughest parts of their life and make an impact. We have the opportunity to change a life every single day.” 

Thomas Otten, Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health