Mental Health Resources
Everything you need in one place — crisis lines, community organizations, online support, and self-help tools.
Crisis & Emergency Lines
Immediate help available 24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free 24/7 support for anyone in mental health crisis. Call or text 988. Trained counselors provide judgment-free support for suicidal crises, emotional distress, substance use, and more.
Crisis Text Line
Free 24/7 crisis support via text. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Confidential support for any crisis—anxiety, depression, self-harm, or anything else.
The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. Call, chat, or text with trained counselors who understand the unique challenges LGBTQ+ young people face. You deserve to be heard.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use disorders. Helps you find local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential support for veterans and their loved ones. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Staffed by qualified responders from the VA—many of whom are veterans themselves.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7 professional crisis counselors for anyone concerned about child abuse. Multilingual support. Call or text for immediate help, crisis intervention, and local resource referrals.
Bay Area Community Organizations
Local nonprofits, clinics, and services. We remove orgs that have closed; always confirm hours on their official site.
CASSY (Counseling And Support Services for Youth)
Nonprofit school-based counseling and support for youth on the Peninsula and South Bay. Ask your school if CASSY serves your campus.
Kara
Bay Area grief support for all ages — peer support, groups, and resources after a death or life-changing loss.
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS)
Counseling and prevention programs for teens and young adults on the Peninsula, including school-linked services in participating districts.
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services
County mental health and substance use services, including crisis access and care navigation for residents.
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
County behavioral health services and crisis resources for San Mateo County residents.
Alameda County Behavioral Health
County behavioral health access, crisis lines, and treatment referrals for Alameda County.
Contra Costa Behavioral Health
County mental health services and crisis access for Contra Costa County.
NAMI (Bay Area chapters)
National Alliance on Mental Illness — local chapters offer peer and family support, education, and community programs across the Bay Area.
HEARD Alliance
Bay Area–focused collaboration supporting youth mental health, school wellness, and community partnerships. Check their site for current programs.
Alcove (teen wellness — Palo Alto area)
Teen-focused wellness and mental health programming in the Palo Alto / mid-Peninsula ecosystem. Offerings can change by season — confirm on their site.
Pacific Clinics
Behavioral health services across California, including Bay Area locations — outpatient care, youth and family services, and care coordination (confirm intake and eligibility with the clinic).
The Q Corner (LGBTQ+ youth programs)
Community LGBTQ+ youth spaces and affirming programs in the Bay Area (names vary by city). Use this as a starting point and ask your school wellness office for local “Q” groups and GSAs.
For Educators & Parents
Resources to help you support the students in your life
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Changes in sleep, eating, or academic performance
- Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Extreme mood swings or sudden calmness after depression
How to Start the Conversation
- "I've noticed you seem different lately. I care about you."
- "You don't have to go through this alone."
- "It's okay to not be okay. I'm here to listen."
- "Would you be open to talking to someone who can help?"
- Listen without judgment or trying to fix
- Don't promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret
Helpful Resources
- AFSP: afsp.org — evidence-based prevention programs
- QPR Training: qprinstitute.com — learn to recognize warning signs
- Mental Health First Aid: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
- NAMI Family Support: nami.org/support
- Sources of Strength: sourcesofstrength.org
- JED Foundation: jedfoundation.org
Need personalized help?
Select your school on our Find Help page to see counselors and services tailored to your area.
Find Help Near You