Resources
Websites for Teens
Teens have many important questions and concerns about themselves, their friends, and their parents, but figuring out who to ask about what and when isn’t always easy. These mental health resources provide a wealth of information and advice which can help you to find answers to your questions, to better understand the changes that you (or your friends) are undergoing, and to make smart decisions about your life.
The resources below are divided into the following categories:
Common Teen Concerns
Go Ask Alice! is a health Q&A Internet resource. It provides readers with reliable, accurate, accessible, culturally competent information and a range of thoughtful perspectives so that they can make responsible decisions concerning their health and well-being. Go Ask Alice! answers questions about alcohol & other drugs, emotional health, nutrition & physical activity, general health, relationships, and sexual & reproductive health. If you've thought about a health question, it's likely on Go Ask Alice! If you don't find the Health Answer you're looking for, then ask Alice! Keep in mind, Go Ask Alice! provides health information and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment advice, or a second opinion for health conditions. If you have an existing ailment or an urgent health problem, consult with a health care provider before acting on information contained here.
This site provides access to the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, a phone and internet resource operated by the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This Helpine and web site were designed exclusively for teens so they can contact a trained peer or adult advocate anonymously and confidentially. The Helpline and loveisrespect.org offer real-time one-on-one support, information, and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships, as well as to concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.
The Youth Development Committee (YDC) was formally established as a sub-committee of the Massachusetts State Mental Health Planning Council in 2002 to focus on transition age programming (defined as those individuals between the ages of 16 and 25) and to create a voice for youth. It continues to serve as an advisory board to the Mental Health Planning Council, and has been key in the development of the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Transition Age Youth (TAY) Initiative. Meetings occur on the 4th Monday (pending holiday) of every other month in Boston, MA.
An understanding of how the brain of an adolescent is changing may help explain a puzzling contradiction of adolescence: young people at this age are close to a lifelong peak of physical health, strength, and mental capacity, and yet, for some, this can be a hazardous age. The more we learn, the better we may be able to understand the abilities and vulnerabilities of teens, and the significance of this stage for life-long mental health.
TeenHelp.com was developed for parents of teens as well as teens going through common adolescent development issues. There are facts sheets, statistics and informative guides on topics such as self-esteem, suicide, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, substance use and developing positive relationships and moral values.
Mental Health Resources for Teens
Born This Way Foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people, and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. They achieve this by shining a light on real people, quality research, and authentic partnerships. They also have an active blog, extensive resource list, and hotlines to call in the event of a crisis.
This website is meant for teens who have been coping with depressed mood. This resource teaches a set of skills that teens can apply to their own life to overcome depression. It is meant to provide teens and concerned adults with accurate information about depression. This online resource is based on and complementary to Dealing with Depression: Antidepresssant Skills for Teens (Bilsker, Gilbert, Worling & Garland, 2005).
Mental health problems don't only affect adults. Children, teens and young adults can have mental health problems, too. In fact, three out of four people with mental health problems showed signs before they were 24 years old. This website offers a lot of information on how to talk about mental health and where to get help if you or someone you know needs it.
Half of Us, mtvU and The Jed Foundation aim to initiate a public dialogue to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and connect students to the appropriate resources to get help. The goal is to provide information about mental health and help teens and young adults find needed resources. The website also hosts interviews woth celebrities who has struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues.
This website has lots of information about mental health including specific information about disorders, but also about the teen brain, importance of sleep, and other issues impacting teens. There's also stories from teens about living with certain mental health issues, and sections for friends, teachers, parents and health professionals about how to help teens struggling with mental health concerns.
Providing a safe place for teens who need honest and accurate information, this website provides resources on mental health issues.
For Teens Struggling with Substance Abuse
The “Students & Young Adults” section gives information and resources about drugs, smoking, marijuana, steroids, prescription medications, and other topics.
The mission of The Herren Project is to provide assistance in taking the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety, educational programs and resources to increase awareness on the signs of addiction and bring hope for a better tomorrow.
Get Connected! Hotlines, Text or Chat Services for Mental Health Support
Crisis Text Line is a 24- hour support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US and you will receive an automated text asking you what your crisis is. Within minutes, a live trained crisis counselor will answer your text. The text exchange is free, confidential and will not appear on your phone statement
The mission of ths forum is to create an atmosphere that is both supportive and informative in a caring, safe environment for members to talk to their peers about depression, anxiety, mood disorders, medications, therapy and recovery.
IM Hear is the teen-to-teen online instant messaging program of our Befriending Services. It is dedicated specifically to providing online emotional support and to the prevention of suicide among teens. Begun in 2012, this teen online chat service provides confidential peer support and understanding to teens who are struggling with feelings of depression, loneliness and stress. When trained, Samariteens (volunteers between the ages of 15 and 18) are available so IM Hear will operate Monday through Thursday from 6pm – 9pm.
NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. NEDA's programs and services are designed to help you find the help and support you need. They also have a Helpline available Monday-Thursday from 9AM to 9PM and Friday from 9AM to 5PM for support, resources and treatment options.
The goal of OK2TALK is to create a community for teens and young adults struggling with mental health problems and encourage them to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope. Anyone can add their voice by sharing creative content such as poetry, inspirational quotes, photos, videos, song lyrics and messages of support in a safe, moderated space.
This is an online community developed by NAMI and young adults. It's designed to inspire young adults impacted by mental health issues to think positive, stay strong and achieve their goals through peer support and resource sharing.
The Trevor Project provides crisis support through its accredited, free and confidential phone, instant message and text messaging crisis intervention services. Focus on suicide prevention, The Trevor Project offers the largest safe social networking community for LGBTQ youth and resources for youth and adults. The Trevor Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or connect through Text or Chat.
You Matter is a movement to spread the word that your problems, your worries, your fears, and above all you—unique and real you—matter. And because just about everyone—at some point—hits the wall, we’re here to help.You Matter was created by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to let people know that suicide is preventable. If you need support, call 1-800-273-8255 or chat with the lifeline.
Your Life, Your Voice is supported by the Boys Town National Hotline, and provides several ways for teens to get connected with someone to discuss any issue that is impacting them in the moment such as feeling depressed, contemplating suicide, being physically or sexually abused, on the run, addicted, threatened by gang violence, fighting with a friend or parent, or if you are faced with an overwhelming challenge. You can call 1-800-448-3000, Text VOICE to 20121 to start, chat or email from their website to get support, guidance, and resources. Their website also features a variety of journal pages if you just want a way to start to sort out your thoughts on your own.
Resources for Young Adults
This website is a comprehensive guide detailing the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disabilities such as depression, ADHD, eating disorders and anxiety and the educational challenges college students with these mental disorders face. It also discusses campus services, course accommodations and strategies that students can use to assist them when they go to college.
The College Internship Program at the Berkshire Center provides individualized, post-secondary academic, internship and independent living experiences for young adults with Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD and other Learning Differences. Learn more by calling 877-566-9247.
This web site was created to be the go-to site to connect young adults who have lived mental health experiences.The site was created by young adults, for young adults and includes resources, job boards, and support group listings.
ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center, where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and want regarding emotional health.
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Find Ways to Fight Stigma!
“Make It OK” is a campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses. The organizations listed here have pledged their commitment to change the hearts and minds about the misperceptions of mental illnesses by encouraging open conversations and education on the topic.
The goal of "No Stigmas" the elimination of stigma toward mental health concerns. Their website offers free membership to anyone who agrees to uphold core values of respect, community support and advocacy for others, personal responsibility, and the elimination of stigma. Membership includes tools for awareness; informational content; and access to peer groups, events, and e-learning courses. Visitors in need of support can connect online with peers, obtain information about free or low-cost counseling resources and services, and access wellness information and treatment tools.
"Time to Change" is a campaign to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. They are dedicated to making sure that no one ever has to fear being treated differently because of a mental health problem.