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Community Resources
Community members 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 online 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:

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Dating and Relationships

 

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.

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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.

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Mental Health Resources for Teens

 

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.

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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.

 

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 with celebrities who has struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. 

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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.

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Providing a safe place for teens who need honest and accurate information, this website provides resources on mental health issues. 

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For Teens Struggling with Substance Abuse

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The “Students & Young Adults” section gives information and resources about drugs, smoking, marijuana, steroids, prescription medications, and other topics.

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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.

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Abuse, Bullying, and Violence

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A trained counselor will tell you how to get help if you have been sexually and physically abused. The call is free and answered 24 hours a day.

 

This group encourages teens to use outlets other than violence to express themselves. The site offers tips for preventing violence and information to start anti-violence projects in your community.

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This organization provides information, support, and help for teen victims of sexual violence.

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If you have been sexually assaulted, have a friend who has been sexually assaulted, or want to know how to reduce your risk of sexual assault, RAINN is where you want to turn.

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LGBTQ+ Youth Resources

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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.

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Q Chat Space is a bully-free online community of LGBTQ teens that can chat with other LGBTQ teens and trained staff from LGBTQ centers around the country.

 

Gender Spectrum Lounge is a global online community for gender-expansive teens, their families and support professionals to connect, collaborate and find resources.

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Federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth, available 24/7/365, providing access to resources and listening professionals.

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A peer support service run by trans people located all over the US and Canada, for trans and questioning callers.

 

Offers a talkline and weekly chatrooms for youth, providing confidential peer-support, information, local resources and community.

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Provide resources for youth and adults experiencing homelessness. They include resources for folks working in the field, advocates making a difference, and young people looking for help.

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Health and Hygiene

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Provides information and resources on health care services in schools.

 

Provides health information and resources for girls-only.

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Find answers to frequently asked questions about sexually transmitted infections and hook up with a support group in your area.

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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 

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The mission of this 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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Apps and Tech Services

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Beacon is a portal to online applications (websites, mobile applications and internet support groups) for mental disorders reviewed and rated by health experts.

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This website reflects the lived experience of mental health conditions, including research-based modules with hours of recording and analysis.

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This website has resources to help teens use mindfulness to handle stress and includes apps to practice meditation and guided mediation recordings.  

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An online community designed to inspire young adults impacted by mental health issues to think positive, stay strong and achieve goals through peer support and resource sharing.

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Resources for Young Adults
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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.

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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.

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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 Stop Stigma

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“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.

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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.

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Advocacy

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The leading nonprofit that empowers college students to speak openly about mental health, Active Minds aims to educate others and encourage help-seeking. 

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GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. This website provides resources on finding GSA Chapters, and tools on how to establish or re-establish a GSA.

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This website offers resources specifically for teens to prevent bullying in their schools and communities and provides resources for those being bullied.

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Created by and for teens, this website is a place for middle and high school students to find ways to address bullying, take action, be heard, and own an important social cause.

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As England’s biggest program to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination, this advocacy website provides ways to join the campaign and get others involved.

Dating and Relationshis
Mental Health Resources forTeens
For Teens Struggling with Substance Abuse
Abuse, Bullying, and Violence
Health and Hygiene
Hotlines, Text or Chat
Apps an Tech Services
LGBTQ+ Youth Resources
Resources for Young Adults
Find Ways to Stop the Stigma
Advocacy
Confused person
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Helpful Websites

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