Youth Resources
If you, a teen, or young adult you know needs support, resources are available:
Text “Brave” to 741-741 which connects to a Crisis Text Line, or Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you feel you are in crisis and need to talk NOW.
NAMI Teens and Young Adults
Information on this website includes how to recognize the signs of mental illness, how to help a friend, how to manage mental health while in college, and how to take charge of your mental health.
Community Evening Resource Centers (CERC)
Community Evening Resource Centers (CERC) provide free, safe spaces and activities for kids and teens ages 10 to 17. You can take part in structured activities, do your homework, and make new friends.
Centers offer free, nightly activities like: sports, photography, cooking, yoga, and video-gaming classes, community service projects, job-readiness training, conflict resolution and violence prevention training, CERC staff mentor youth to encourage positive development. They can also connect youth to other programs and services that support school work, mental health, and other needs.
Girl’s Health.Gov
The “Your Feelings” section offers support and information to teenage girls about mental health and emotional well-being, recognizing when to get help, and who to turn to for support.
Center for Young Women’s Health
An online resource for young women providing information about mental, physical and emotional health. Here you can find answers to questions, health guides and more.
Young Men’s Health
An online resource for young men providing information about mental, physical and emotional health. Here you can find answers to questions, health guides and more.
The Jed Foundation- Protecting Emotional Health and Preventing Suicide
Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.
The Trevor Project:
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
Email
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Youth Matters Philly
Find What You Need When You Need It: A web app designed to help vulnerable Philly youth locate & rate community resources
Youth Services Inc. for homeless and runaway teens
Youth Services provides emergency shelter for homeless and runaway teens. Other supports include 24-hour emergency care for young children, parenting skills classes and counseling, truancy prevention services and family-based services in the home.
There are three locations:
1526 Fairmount Avenue. 19130 Phone: (215) 787-0633
3401 Baring Street. 19104 Phone: (215) 386-0251
6325 Burbridge Street. 19144. Phone: (215) 848-0417
Trauma to Triumph
Trauma to Triumph is a youth program that empowers and builds resilience through fun activities and supports. It is a trauma driven program focusing on empowerment and resilience in a safe space featuring expert lead programs such as: comic book designing, music production, cooking, discussion groups, portrait painting, meditation, poetry writing, sculpting, socialization, and more.
The group welcomes youth ages 13 to 21. Participants attend the program for free for 12 weeks, meeting Monday – Friday from 3pm-6pm at 5901 Market Street. Email Gina Booker for more information.
National Institute on Mental Health – Child and Adolescent Section
Here you will find shareable resources to raise awareness about the importance of child and adolescent mental health.
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
This site is organized to help you find what you are looking for, whether you are a teen, middle or high school teacher, or parent. The purpose of this site is to facilitate learning about the effects of drug use on the brain, body, and lives of teens.
Email
Penn Center for Mental Health -Clinical Services
Our clinical team provides a range of clinical services to youth both through our work here at the Center as well as in partnership with Hall Mercer Community Mental Health. Our team is dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of youth in need of mental health services. All clinical services we provide are guided by the most recent scientific understanding of the needs of mental health consumers and their families.
SPIN Center
Helps individuals with disabilities to reach their goals
FAB Youth Philly -Play Streets Program
Youth development nonprofit that creates meaningful year-round workforce development opportunities for teens ages 14-19 through summer and after-school jobs.
Therapy Solutions For Children Inc.
Therapeutic services for children
Hope Works Camden
Youth Healing Team discuss ACEs and Trauma
McPherson Square Library
Youth development program in Kensington
Mighty Writers
Teaching youth to write with clarity while making sure they are fed
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region
Ignites the power of youth and closes the mentoring gap
Social Media Safety Tips
This toolkit provides resources for parents and teens in exploring how to use social media in a healthy and responsible way. Healthy social media use has many benefits. Social media can help teens expand their social networks, provide easy communication, allow teens to explore and develop their identities, and allow them to showcase their creativity. As with most things, however, social media is best in moderation. Using social media too much—or using social media for negative purposes—can have harmful impacts on mental wellness.
Collective Climb Philadelphia
Youth Work/Restorative Justice for BIPOC teens (15-19)
Ronald McDonald House
Supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope
Cradles to Crayons
Provides essential needs for children in homeless or low income situations
Turning Point For Children
Family/Youth services
Valley Youth House
Ensure safe places for families and youth by building community connections
Youth Design Philly
Art based therapeutic supports for youth
The Evoluer House
Empowerment Program for teens
FAB Youth Philly -Play Streets Program
Connect/Support/Innovate thru youth programs
Therapy Solutions For Children Inc.
Therapeutic services for children
Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia
Youth reach their full potential as loving, caring, and responsible citizens
Peer support groups if you struggle with addiction to alcohol or other drugs.
Alcoholics Anonymous
(215) 923-7900
Narcotics Anonymous
(215) 629-6757
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon.AlaTeen.org
AISDV.org
(215) 222-5244
MentalHealth.Gov for Educators
Educators are often the first to notice mental health concerns in their students. This website provides ways educators, families, and caregivers can help young people, students and their families who may need mental health support and resources.
Active Minds
Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Here you can find information if you need help and want to connect to other young people. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on young adults ages 14–25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.
Advocates for Youth
Established in 1980 as the Center for Population Options, Advocates for Youth champions efforts that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates believes it can best serve the field by boldly advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health. Advocates focuses its work on young people ages 14-25 in the U.S. and around the globe.
Phone: 202 419 3420
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA)
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
