GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In light of several heartbreaking cases involving moms in crisis who’ve harmed their children-- mental health professionals said it’s more important than ever for parents, especially those raising kids on their own, to get help before stress turns into something dangerous.

13 On Your Side spoke with local counselors who said support is out there and parents shouldn’t wait until they reach their breaking point to seek it.

“We've seen a dramatic increase of single parents bringing in their children,” said West Michigan, counselor Theresa Slabbekoorn with the Life Center in Grand Rapids, a family counseling nonprofit.

Across West Michigan, Slabbekoorn said she’s seeing more parents, especially single mothers, overwhelmed by stress, financial pressur

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