Mental Health Resources

Get information and resources about adolescent mental health and how to support adolescents.

Mental Health during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives and mental health of many individuals. Below are resources on managing increased stress and anxiety during this time.

Teens and young adults:

Parents and caregivers:

Mental Health Screening

Adults can help support the mental health of adolescents by connecting them to the services they need. Clinical preventive services for adolescents include screenings in five areas to identify any mental health concerns: alcohol use, child maltreatment, depression, illicit drug use, and suicide risk. Health insurance plans generally cover these screening services without out-of-pocket costs.

Learn more about mental health screening

Treatment for Mental Health Disorders

The most effective treatment varies by mental health disorder and individual. Depression is usually treated by medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Meditation and exercise may be helpful for someone with an anxiety disorder, while people who have experienced trauma may find exposure therapy most helpful.

Mobile care is a new frontier for mental health treatment and can take many forms, including crisis response teams and online resources. Applications, or apps, for electronic devices like cell phones and tablets are a convenient option for people who may have a hard time getting to an in-person appointment and can extend support for those who do attend in-person therapy sessions. Telehealth services and apps may be especially useful in rural areas, making crisis services more accessible to individuals typically underserved by mental health professionals due to geographic and transportation challenges, as well as gaps in treatment and social services.

Learn more about mental health disorders and treatment

Mental Health Support and Intervention

Supportive services, including crisis intervention services, help coordinate behavioral health services with healthcare, as well as services related to housing, employment, education, and other supports. Examples include recovery support systems and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). Adolescents with mental health disorders may be entitled to educational accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act through 12th grade. Furthermore, many colleges also offer free counseling or referral services to enrolled students free of charge.

Find supportive and crisis intervention services

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress, reach out for help.

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (for English or Spanish) to be connected to trained counselors in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. The Lifeline network includes trained counselors from over 200 crisis centers who will listen, provide support, and connect you to resources. Lifeline Chat also connects you to counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals, dial 1-800-487-4889.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.