Mental Health Matters

The Monthly Mindset - May 2026

By Melanie Pignotti, LCPC, CAC Chief Executive Officer

The stories we hear each day make one thing unmistakably clear: mental health is woven into every step a child takes toward healing. Mental Health Awareness Month speaks directly to the heart of our work and to the courage of the children we serve. 

Graphic courtesy of National Children's Alliance.

Mental Health Awareness Month offers a powerful reminder of something we see every day: the emotional well-being of children and families matters profoundly. When a child experiences abuse, the impact reaches far beyond the moment of the incident. Maltreatment can lead to acute distress or post-traumatic stress, affecting a child’s sense of safety and stability. Some children may experience intrusive memories or nightmares, heightened startle responses, irritability, difficulty concentrating or emotional numbness — symptoms that can disrupt sleep, behavior and emotional regulation. Without support, these challenges can extend into adulthood, contributing to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, difficulties in relationships or ongoing struggles managing stress and emotions. These outcomes are not inevitable, but they underscore why early, specialized intervention is so critical. Read more in this Children’s Safety Network 2024 fact sheet. 

Graphic courtesy of National Children's Alliance

Child abuse disrupts a child’s fundamental sense of safety and trust. The emotional wounds may not be visible, but they are real — and they matter. Caregivers often carry their own emotional burdens as they navigate the shock and grief of what their child has endured. Recognizing these mental health needs is the first step. Responding to them with compassion, expertise and evidence-based care is the next. 

At CAC, mental health services are a cornerstone of our mission. We provide evidence-

based trauma therapy for children and for non-offending family members, ensuring that the entire family has the support they need to move forward. Our Trauma Therapists use proven modalities designed specifically for trauma recovery. The goal is to help children process what happened to them, rebuild their sense of safety and develop the skills they need to thrive. We want every child to know that their abuse does not define them — their strength, resilience and future do. 

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I chose this field because I believe deeply in the power of mental health support to change lives. That belief guides me every day in leading CAC. It’s an honor to stand alongside our team and our community as we work to ensure every child has the chance to heal and move forward with hope.