Information & Support
Understanding Youth Mental Health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Essential information and resources intended to help young people get the mental health support they need.
The Jed Foundation - Essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a successful transition to adulthood.
Mental Health America - Resources and tips related to children's mental health, plus screening tools for caregivers and young people ages 11-17.
National Academies' Emotional Wellbeing Resources - Listing of mental health resources and supports, including specific links for Black, Native, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
The Trevor Project - Crisis services, research, resources, advocacy, and community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
The Youth Mental Health Project - Free downloads of materials on mental health topics for parents and caregivers, including frequently asked questions, Mental Health 101, Understanding and Support Youth Mental Health with ages and stages examples, and fact sheets on ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health Learning Disabilities, OCD and more.
Interactive Tools
Know the Signs (California Mental Health Services Authority)
How Right Now: Finding What Helps (CDC)
Tools for Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Children and Youth (National Academies)
MHA Screening: Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Screens from Mental Health America are free, confidential, and scientifically validated.
Phone and Text Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 - available 24/7 with free and confidential support for people in distress.
Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741-741 - available 24/7 with free emotional support and information from trained volunteers for any type of crisis.
Teen Line: Call 800-852-8336 or text "TEEN" to 839863 - available 9-12pm EST with highly trained teen listeners who provide support, resources, and hope to any teen who is struggling.
Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386 or text 678-678 - available 24/7 with free, confidential support for LGBTQ young people.
VAYA Health's Access to Care Line: call 800-849-6127 - available 24/7 for immediate crisis intervention by phone and provide information on how to get help in person.
Veterans Crisis Line: call 800-273-8255 PRESS 1 or text 838255 - available 24/7
NAMI NC HelpLine: call 800-451-9682 or text 919-999-6527 - available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm EST with information and referrals to resources for North Carolina residents (NOT a crisis line).
Apps
notOK - a free digital panic button to get immediate support via text, phone call, or GPS location when you're stuggling to reach out.
Mindshift - a free app using scientifically proven strategies to help you relax and be more mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of anxiety.
My Life My Voice - a free mood journal from Boys Town National Hotline to track feelings over time and get life tips to turn your mood around when you're feeling down or stressed out.
Say Something - a free app, hotline, or website where students can submit secure, anonymous safety concerns 24/7/365 to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. Google Play Apple Store
Support for Parents and Caregivers
The Parent Support Network - National virtual meetings held weekly for any parent or guardian who is concerned about their kids ages 1-25 who struggle with anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, or other emotional, behavioral or mental health problems.
The Jed Foundation Family Resources - Because thriving in adulthood requires more than just facts learned in classes, the Jed Foundation's Set to Go program provides information, tools and guidance to help you and your student through the transition out of high school and onto the next step
Support for Suicide Loss
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - Lost Someone? You are not alone. Suicide affects millions each year, and AFSP’s website can connect you to a wealth of healing resources and practical advice from other survivors of a loss by suicide.
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors - An online community for those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide, providing healing and compassionate support during the lonely and tumultuous aftermath. They strive to help people survive suicide loss, and go beyond “just surviving,” to lead meaningful and productive lives.
Dougy Center - Resources for people of all ages who are grieving, including young children, teens, young adults, caregivers, and helpers in the community. For specific tips on talking with children and teens about a suicide death and supporting them in their grief: Supporting Children and Teens After a Suicide Death.
Veteran Crisis Line - Tips for starting a conversation with teens and younger children about suicide, plus resources for veterans and their families.