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Mental Health Awareness

Resources for Teens and Young Adults

Greater MetroWest ABLE has been dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating stigma surrounding mental illness. As a vigilant advocate for our Jewish community, ABLE stands on the front lines advocating for a day when no individual or family will struggle alone. Greater MetroWest ABLE, in partnership with Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ and the Eric Eliezer Levenson Foundation for Hope, has compiled a Mental Health Resource Guide with information, guidance, and resources to help navigate the services available to those in our community.

In response to the national mental health crisis our teens and young adults are experiencing, we have developed a directory of specific resources addressing the needs of this age group. Please see the resources for Teens and Young Adults below. Use them, share them and let us know if there are additional resources we might want to consider.

Additional resources include Resources for:

Please note the following designations:

  • LJ indicates a local Jewish community resource
  • L indicates a local resource
  • J indicates a Jewish community resource
  • N indicates a national resource

Crisis Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741.Provides access to free, round-the-clock support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text.

National Drug Helpline – 1-844-289-0879. A free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline that can help you start your journey towards a better future. The helpline is open to everyone. You can call the hotline to get information for yourself or a friend or family member.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – 1-800-931-2237. Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). A free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (TTY) 1-800-799-4899

OK2Talk 800-273-TALK (8255). A safe, moderated online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, or hope.

Trevor Project TrevorLifeline – 1-866-488-7386 / Text START to 678-678. Provides LGBTQ youth with 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.

Apps

Apart of Me – Wonderful, gentle support for working through loss.

Calm – Appealing meditation and relaxation for all ages.

Calm HarmManages teens struggling with self-harm, introducing them to a “safety net” of helpful thoughts and behaviors that can help them resist the urge to self-harm.

Headspace – Appealing meditation and relaxation for all ages.

JQY – JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) supports and empowers LGBTQ Jewish youth with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chassidic, and Sephardi/Mizrahi communities.

NotOkay – A free digital panic button to get immediate support from your trusted contact via text, phone call, or GPS location when you’re struggling to reach out.

Promly – Be part of a community, find friends, stay connected and get access to social, mental, emotional and educational resources.

RxWell – Can help you become emotionally and physically well. It combines proven techniques with support from a health coach.

TeenTalk – Provides a free, anonymous safe space for teens to request support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences.

Peer to Peer Networks

Here.Now. (J) – A new way for teens to connect with other teens to share their stories and find real answers to their mental health questions and concerns.

Proud2BMe (N) – An online community created by and for teens covering everything from fashion and beauty to news, culture, and entertainment—all with the goal of promoting positive body image and encouraging healthy attitudes about food and weight.

Talk with Zach (N) – A Gen Z movement and community with a worldwide following. It’s a space for teens to have real conversations about the important things that impact us all and we need to talk about more.

TeenTalk (N) Provides a free, anonymous safe space for teens to request support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences.

UpStreet (N) – A teen mental health service that offers free counseling to anyone from ages 12-22.

General Mental Health Resources

#BeThe1To (N) – Resources to be the one to help save a life.

AFSP More Than Sad (N) – Teaching students and educators how to be smarter about mental health.

Be Well Initiative (J) Evidence-based trainings and certificate courses which teach teens and emerging adults how to support their friends without shame or stigma.

Born This Way Foundation (N) – Supports the mental health of young people and works with them to build a kinder and braver world. Through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.

Elijah’s Journey (J) A Facebook community centered on bringing awareness and support to depression and suicide.

Head’s Up (N) – Provides videos, interactive games, fact sheets, and information about different substances and mental health issues for students of all ages, parents, and teachers.

HereNow (J) A teen-led online and in-person initiative promoting mental health, well-being, and resilience through innovative content and creativity.

Hillel Student Mental Health Resources (J) Resources available to support you and your well-being.

JFS MetroWest (LJ ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults through virtual and in-person therapy.

Jed Foundation (N) – Provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a successful transition to adulthood.

LINKS (N) – Supports children and teens who have lost one or both parents by connecting them with peers and mentors who have been through the same experience.

Mallory’s Army (L) – Empower kids to be the kind of person they want to meet; educate parents on how their kids interface with their world, both online and in school; enrich schools by sharing Mallory’s story and promoting kindness among students; enhance communities by uniting everyone in an effort to Blue Out Bullying.

Mental Health Help (N) – Provides national talk lines, crisis lines, and resources for young people looking for help for their mental health.

Mood Gym (N) – An online self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, which teaches skills based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Moving Traditions (LJ) – Champions impact-focused youth-serving programs at the intersection of gender, wellbeing, and Judaism.

Natural High (N) – Combines story-telling with scientific research to create resources for teens, parents, and educators to help young people find their true passions, and promote activities that uplift, motivate, and inspire them to live their healthiest, drug-free life.

NEDA – National Eating Disorders Association (N) – 800-931-2237. Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

OK2Talk NAMI (N) – 800-273-TALK (8255). A safe, moderated online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, or hope.

SAMHSA (N) – 800-662-HELP (4357). The agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.

Seize the Awkward (N) – Be the Friend Who Listens. Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. Check out these resources to learn how to support a friend – or get help for yourself.

Shiv’s Third Eye (L) – Works to drive out the myths , stigma and bring in the awareness, education, support and hope for adolescent mental health.

Teen Mental Health First Aid (LJ ) – Teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. Contact Becca at rwanatick@jfedgmw.org to learn more about local opportunities.

Touching the Heart (J)A text-messaging program provides messages of support and well-being for high school seniors through graduate school, as well as young professionals and parents. Sign yourself or someone up for this free text message support service.

Youth.gov (N) – Provides resources, information, different agencies, articles, and videos relating to substance use disorders and young people’s mental health and wellness.

Youth Mental Health Project (L) – The Youth Mental Health Project™ envisions a world where people are just as aware of their mental well-being as they are of physical well-being so we have created this pledge and helpful, printable takeaways.

Substance Misuse Resources

Birthright Israel Recovery Trip (J) – A free trip for Jewish people in recovery. The Recovery trip aims to reconnect young people in recovery or impacted by an addiction with their Jewish heritage and reclaim their role as active members in the Jewish community.

Communities Confronting Substance Abuse (LJ) – Programs to educate students (grades 6-12) and parents about substance use and addiction within the Jewish community. Programs include discussions with teens and youth about the mental and physical damage caused by alcohol and substances, and educating teachers and parents about how to identify and address substance use issues.

DEA Just Think Twice (N) – Providing personal stories from famous people and individuals who recovered from addiction, as well as infographics, short videos, data, and tips for living a fulfilling drug-free life.

JFS MetroWest (LJ ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults through virtual and in-person therapy.

The Living Room (J) – A program and community for young adults, aged 18-35, who are part of a recovery program for substance abuse.

NIDA for Teens (N) –  Provides interesting and easy-to-understand scientific facts for teens. All research is for teens and about teens, and is a valuable source of information for anyone looking to learn more about substance use and addiction.

LGBTQ+ Resources

Eshel (J) – Focuses on creating community and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews and their families in Orthodox communities.

JFS MetroWest (LJ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults through virtual and in-person therapy.

JQ Helpline (J) – Call or text 855-JQI-HLPS (855-574-4577). The Jewish Queer International Helpline provides inclusive support and resources for LGBTQ+ Jews, their families, and allies. Be sure to check out the JQ Helpline Community Resource Manual.

 JQY (J) – JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) supports and empowers LGBTQ Jewish youth with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chassidic, and Sephardi/Mizrahi communities.

Keshet (J) – Works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. Creates spaces in which all queer Jewish youths feel seen and valued in addition to other work outside of teens.

Sam & Devorah Foundation (L) – Supports trans and non-binary youth by offering safe spaces and programs where they can connect, thrive and be empowered.

Trans Lifeline Hotline (N) – 1-877-565-8860. Connects trans people to the community support and resources we need to survive and thrive.

The Trevor Project (N) – 866-488-7386. Providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) people under 25.

Healthy Relationships Resources

JFS MetroWest (LJ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults through virtual and in-person therapy.

National Domestic Violence Hotline (N) – 800-799-SAFE (7233). A free, 24-hour confidential service for survivors, victims, and those affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and relationship abuse.

Project SARAH Next Step (LJ) – Program for high school students focusing on the importance of mental health and healthy relationships.

Rachel Coalition – In Her Shoes (LJ) – In Her Shoes is an experiential and interactive workshop which allows individuals to experience what a victim of domestic violence has to do once she decides to reach out for help.

Shalom TaskForce (J) Works to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster healthy and safe relationships and families within the Jewish community.