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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

Crisis24/7

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

Crisis24/7

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.

Text HOME to 741741Visit Website

The Trevor Project

LGBTQ+24/7

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

General24/7

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

Veterans24/7

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

Safety24/7

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.

1-800-4-A-CHILDText 1-800-422-4453Visit Website

Bay Area Community Organizations

Local nonprofits, clinics, and services

CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council)

Freenonprofit

Provides affordable mental health services, substance use counseling, and school-based programs across Santa Clara County.

Individual therapyFamily therapySchool-based counselingSubstance use support
Serves: Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino

CASSY (Counseling And Support Services for Youth)

Freenonprofit

School-based counseling and crisis support for students in Palo Alto, Los Altos, and surrounding areas. Sliding scale and free options available.

School counselingCrisis interventionFamily supportPeer support
Serves: Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View

StarVista

Freenonprofit

Crisis intervention, counseling, and youth programs serving San Mateo County. 24/7 crisis hotline and bilingual services.

Crisis lineYouth counselingSubstance useSuicide prevention
Serves: San Mateo County, Palo Alto, Bay Area

Kara

Freenonprofit

Grief support services for all ages. Free peer support for those coping with loss, including youth programs.

Grief counselingPeer supportYouth programsFamily support
Serves: Palo Alto, San Mateo, Santa Clara

Adolescent Counseling Services

Freenonprofit

School-based and community counseling for teens and families. Individual, group, and family therapy at low or no cost.

Individual therapyGroup therapyFamily therapySchool-based programs
Serves: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Los Altos

Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services

Freecounty

County mental health and substance use services. Crisis services, outpatient care, and youth-specific programs.

Crisis servicesOutpatient therapyYouth programsSubstance use
Serves: Santa Clara County

Uplift Family Services

Freenonprofit

Comprehensive mental health services for children, youth, and families. School-based programs and outpatient clinics.

Youth counselingFamily therapyCrisis stabilizationFoster care support
Serves: Santa Clara County, Gilroy, San Jose, Los Gatos

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