Childhood Anxiety & Depression Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

Anxiety and depression are real and common in children and teens, and they are treatable. Mental health struggles in young people can look different than in adults, and early support makes a lasting difference. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, mental health is part of how we care for keiki, with behavioral health and primary care under one roof.

What it can look like in young people

Childhood anxiety might show up as constant worry, fearfulness, stomachaches or headaches, trouble sleeping, clinginess, or avoiding school and activities. Depression in children and teens can look like ongoing sadness or irritability, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawal, or a drop in school performance. In teens especially, irritability and anger can be signs of depression. These are not phases to simply wait out when they linger or interfere with daily life.

How we screen and help

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for anxiety in children ages 8 to 18 and for depression in adolescents ages 12 to 18, and we build that screening into care. When a child needs support, treatment is tailored to their age and needs, often starting with therapy and family involvement, with medication considered carefully when appropriate. Because we integrate primary care and behavioral health, we can help in the same trusted place, without a separate referral.

When to reach out now

If your child talks about wanting to die, hurting themselves, or not being safe, take it seriously and act right away. You can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Hawaiʻi CARES), any time, day or night, and call 911 in an emergency. We are also here to help your family find the right support.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole child, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your keiki and to raise them pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your family’s story, welcome your ʻohana into every visit, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects your family is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see your keiki

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo. Your child’s first primary-care visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see children in person for well-child exams, vaccines, and hands-on care, and we use telehealth for follow-ups and questions. Pediatric behavioral health with our mental-health providers can begin by video; care from our primary-care team starts with an in-office visit.

Common questions about childhood anxiety and depression

How do I know if my child’s anxiety or sadness is more than a phase?

It is worth attention when worry, sadness, or irritability lingers, is intense, or gets in the way of school, friendships, sleep, or daily life. Stomachaches, avoidance, withdrawal, or a drop in school performance can be signs. We are glad to evaluate and guide you.

At what age should children be screened for anxiety or depression?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for anxiety in children ages 8 to 18 and for depression in adolescents ages 12 to 18. We build this screening into care.

What should I do if my child talks about self-harm?

Take it seriously and act right away. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Hawaii CARES), any time, and call 911 in an emergency. Reach out to us as well, and we will help your family find support.

What insurance do you accept for pediatric care?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo.

References

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Anxiety in children and adolescents: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-anxiety-children-adolescents

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Depression and suicide risk in children and adolescents: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-depression-suicide-risk-children-adolescents

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you are worried about your child’s health, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner