Addressing Teen Mental Health Challenges

Crisis Lines & Resources

Friends experiencing a crisis may feel scared, worried, overwhelmed, and or unsure of the specific help that they need⁹ and your support may be crucial to ensure that they get the timely help that they need. During periods of stress or after experiencing a loss or trauma, for example, having a support system of friends and loved ones makes recovering from challenges a bit easier.

What is a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is when someone is at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, usually paired with extreme emotions and behaviors that are out of control.

What are signs of a crisis?

What can I do to a friend experiencing a crisis?

The very first thing to do is determine whether the crisis puts anyone in danger, including your friend experiencing the crisis. Is this situation an emergency? Keeping everyone safe is top priority.

Friends often naturally feel comfortable sharing personal information with their peers. At some point, you may feel that the support they need is beyond what you can offer. Even more, you may realize that an adult’s help is needed. In these situations, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you spot any of the following signs, it would be a good idea to involve a responsible adult:

1. If you’re worried about their safety: If your friend is hurting themselves, talking about it, or talking about hurting others.
2. You have reason to believe your friend is developing an eating disorder: eating disorders are a serious health threat.
3. If you have reason to believe that they are experiencing a psychotic break such as they are experiencing hallucinations or beliefs that aren’t realistic.
4. If the situation feels more adult thant you should be/or are comfortable dealing with. Does it feel like you may be too young for the information being shared? Does your gut tell you something doesn’t feel right? Go with that feeling and ask an adult for help.
5. If your own mental health is being impacted. If you, too, are feeling anxious, depressed, or are considering harming yourself, it is important that you also seek help from a trusted person in your life.

If I turn to an adult, will I be betraying my friend?

It is natural to fear that you are betraying your friend’s trust after they’ve shared sensitive information with you. Follow these two steps to let your friend know that you think it would be best to bring in an adult’s help:

1. Tell them why you feel it’s time to bring in an adult. Let them know you are concerned and would like to seek additional support. Let them know you are doing it because you care for them.
2. If you’re comfortable doing so, you might want to offer being there for the conversation with the adult. Sometimes this is helpful in buffering the conversation and your friend can feel supported.

If your friend still asks you not to share the information with an adult, but you feel that not doing so will only leave them or someone else in harm’s way, prioritize safety - tell an adult.

It is normal to feel uncertain or worried about sharing something that is personal and emotional with a loved one, especially a parent. It is also important to share that you may be experiencing mental health challenges with your parents so that they know what you are going through and can help you through it. Follow these tips to get the conversation started:

1. Plan what you want to share. Think about how you will explain what you are experiencing. Provide 1-2 detailed examples of what you are feeling to help them understand where you’re coming from. Jot down 1-2 ways that you would like them to support you in overcoming this mental health challenge. Writing down notes while you prepare can be helpful in making sure you don’t forget what you wanted to share with them.
2. Find a private space to talk. Find a place and a time when you can have some privacy, away from other family members or distractions. Sometimes it helps to get out of the house and go for a walk or go to the park. If you have your phones with you, silence them or place them on vibrate to eliminate distractions during the conversation so that you can focus.
3. Explain as clearly as you can. This is where your notes can come in handy. Do your best to be clear and specific about what you are experiencing and how you are feeling. Give your parents the space to ask questions. If at any point you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious, ask to pause the conversation for a minute or two, take some deep breaths and collect your thoughts, then resume. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of you expressing what you are experiencing, and do not give up and walk away from the conversation. It is important to be clear with your feelings and experiences so that your support needs can be met.
4. Share possible next steps. If you have some ideas about how they can help you, this is the time to bring them up. If you do not, that is ok! How about sharing the Mental Health Toolkit for Parents of Teens with them? It’s full of mental health information, tips, activities you can do together and resources to support you.
5. Keep the conversation going. Keeping the line of communication open is just as important as taking that first step to have a conversation. Welcome your parent to follow up with you and likewise make sure that you keep them up to date with how you are feeling, including what’s helping or might be making things worse, and what additional help you may like to have, etc.

It may be that your feelings are not fully understood by your parents. While this can be disappointing, it is important to remember that this is not a dead end, just a bump in the road! Sometimes it’s difficult for people who have never experienced - or recognized that they have experienced- mental health challenges of their own, to be supportive. Sometimes parents are unclear about how to best address their child’s mental health challenges because it is the first time they are being exposed to this situation.

Here are some steps you may want to take if your parents are not being as supportive at this time:

1. Explain the steps you’ve taken so far. You can let them know about what you have done to manage this on your own, such as, self-care techniques, breathing exercises or sharing with a friend or loved one. Ask if they’d be open to identify more ways to help you.
2. Let them know about resources and affordable options. It can be helpful to take a bit of time to research some mental health care options that you think may be a good fit for you. Bring those suggestions to the conversation with your parents. Suggestions may include talking with a school counselor, scheduling an appointment with your current medical provider, or activities that you may be able to do together that will support your resiliency. There are several resources found throughout this toolkit and the Mental Health Toolkit for Parents and Guardians of Teens.
3. Talk to another trusted adult. Is there someone else in your family (i.e., sibling, grandparent, aunt) who you think might be more understanding of how you’re feeling? Is there a close family friend of faith leader that you could meet with? Think about your social support system and make a list of people other than your parent(s) that may be willing to lend an ear.

If you are experiencing mental health challenges, it can be difficult to reach out for help. Friends are a vital part of a healthy social system of support and can certainly be allies in helping to get you the care you need and deserve. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can lessen stressful feelings that you may be experiencing.

Below are suggestions to keep in mind when reaching out to a friend about your mental health:

1. Identify who you want to talk to. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to among your circle of friends? Think about who is reliable and respectful of your thoughts, feelings, and time.
2. Plan what you want to share. Think about how you will explain what you are experiencing. Provide 1-2 examples of what you are feeling, this can help them understand where you’re coming from. Jot down 1-2 ways that they may be able to support you in overcoming this mental health challenge. Writing down notes while you prepare can be helpful in making sure that you don’t forget what you wanted to share with them even if emotions are running high.
3. Determine level of privacy. If you want something to be kept in confidential, make it very clear. However, it is important to trust your friend’s judgement when it comes to your safety and if/when it may be best for them to seek an adult for further help.
4. Pick a time and place. Find a place and a time when you can talk, away from distractions. Sometimes it helps to go for a walk or go to the park.
5. Explain as clearly as you can. This is where your notes can come in handy! Do your best to be clear and specific about what you are experiencing and how you would like to be helped. Give your friend the space to ask questions. If at any point you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious, ask to pause the conversation for a minute or two, take some deep breaths and collect your thoughts, then resume. Try not to let your emotions get in the way of you expressing what you are experiencing. Do not give up and walk away from the conversation, try and hold tight to the idea that your friend is your confidant, and they are there to support your health and happiness.

Most schools are equipped with counselors to offer mental health guidance and resources. Ask to schedule an appointment by contacting your school’s mental health services or via a trusted teacher or school staff member.

If you are a student in the Los Angeles County Unified School District (LAUSD), School Mental Health is available to you and your family. A range of mental health services provide treatment and support to equip students to thrive and live successfully. Services are provided at schools, clinics, Wellness Centers and various programs in LAUSD. Call 213-241-3840 for Los Angeles Unified Student and Family Wellness Hotline.

To access mental health treatment, LAUSD is using telehealth technology to deliver a range of mental health services for students. All students can access this higher level of mental health care by contacting one of LAUSD’s mental health clinics or Wellness Center in your area (listed at the link below). If you would like to access mental health services, please click the link below and follow instructions on how to submit a referral. You can also call (213) 241-3840 and request mental health services.

Click to Access SMH Clinic/Wellness Center Referrals

If you are a person with a developmental disability, you can receive mental health care through a regional center.

1. To be eligible for regional center services, you must have a substantial disability that began before your 18th birthday and is expected to continue indefinitely. Persons interested in regional center services must first obtain a diagnosis and assessment of their disability from a regional center.
2. There are 7 Regional Centers in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health provides more information on their Regional Centers webpage.
3. For more information about regional center services, supports and eligibility, visit the Depatment of Developmental Services – Regional Centers.

Being in foster care can be difficult and feel lonely at times, but you are not alone.

1. The Foster Youth Rights Handbook can help foster youth learn about available rights and services available here in Los Angeles and across the state of California.
2. Whether in need of assistance with mental health services, school, employment, living independently, or looking for other resources, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is a great starting point. Learn about health insurance, mental health, substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health and expectant youth services available by visiting DCFS’ Health and Mental Health page.
3. The Department of Mental Health, DCFS and other community providers have come together to form the Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MAT) to ensure the immediate and comprehensive assessment of children and youth entering out-of-home placement. Learn about the MAT program here.
4. If you need immediate help, you can call the Family Urgent Response System (FURS), which includes a free 24/7/365 hotline for current of former foster youth (up to age 21) and caregivers to call and get immediate help and in-person support when needed for any issues, big or small. Call or text FURS at 1-833-939-3877.

When it comes to mental health support, it is important to connect with someone who understands your daily challenges. Los Angeles County is home to organizations that provide safe spaces, affirm who you are, help you love yourself, provide counseling and mental health services.

1. Bienestar serves Greater Los Angeles, focusing on identifying and addressing emerging health issues faced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ populations. Their Youth Empowerment Program encourages the development of thought leaders and change-makers. They provide an affirming environment to foster relationships, build personal and professional skills, and nurture the evolution of identity. The program is open to young queer people between 18 and 25.
2. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Center for Transyouth Health and Development (CTYHD) provides affirming care for transgender and gender diverse children, adolescents, young adults and their families. The Center partners with youth and their families to advance the field through innovative practice, training and research.
3. Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Services provides free LGBTQIA+ affirmative counseling and healing psychotherapeutic services to youth under 25 and their families in greater Los Angeles.
4. Kaleidoscope supports LGBTQIA+/Questioning neurodivergent and neurotypical youth, young adults and their families in building healthy relationships, strong social connections and critically needed life skills. They provide affirming mental health services, social support and life skills coaching to help each person realize their unique potential and thrive!
5. Los Angeles LGBT Center is one of the largest and most experienced providers of LGBT health and mental healthcare, supported by a research team working to advance the care and treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. They accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, most major insurance plans, and some HMOs. If you are uninsured, we can help you get insurance through Covered California
6. Penny Lane Center’s LGBTQ+ Programs are designed to help LGBTQ+ youth and their families find the support they need, while helping to create safe and welcoming spaces.
7. Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance is for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in the Inland Empire. They provide a safe space for youth to meet, make friends and participate in their weekly events and activities. They offer support and resources for gender affirmation and community building. They also have a parent/caregiver program!

Mental health care is just as important as our annual physical. However, the stigmas related to mental health care services continue to affect and limit the access to services for those who identify as a male or male of color. The following are resources for you.

1. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s iPrevail Program provides 24/7 online support where LA students have an opportunity to chat with a peer coach to discuss personal challenges, enroll in a program, or interact in a virtual community to learn healthy habits, ways to manage stress, or lessen anxiety.
2. Mental Health America of California provides mental health resources, support and services to live a full and productive life.
3. My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) was launched by former President Obama in February 2014. The President called upon cities, counties, and tribal governments to make a commitment to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color. The MBK Challenge outlines six goal areas to increase education, employment, and safety.
4. If you need immediate help, you can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to educating, advocating, supporting, and building better lives for the millions of individuals & families affected by mental illness.
5. TherapyForBlackMen.org provides proactive, multiculturally competent care to men of color through partnership with licensed mental health professionals and coaches in private practice.