How to Access Mental Health Services in California
- L.Go, A.Kooner, K.McKelvey, R.Morel, M.Stephenson
- Apr 9, 2024
- 6 min read
Photography by Rawpixel.com. Education License. Licensed by Adobe Stock.
Mental health is important no matter who you are or where you’re from. In recent years, there’s been a rising awareness of addressing mental health issues among young people. Let’s dig a bit into some of the numbers!
California has over 5 million people aged 10 to 19 (Department of Public Health, n.d.). This shows the large number of youths potentially experiencing mental health challenges from all kinds of backgrounds.
Here's a fact:
Statistics show that Latinx teens experience more mental health hospitalizations and suicide attempts than other ethnic groups. Since almost half of the teen population in California is Latinx, it’s important to have resources that understand and help different communities. Despite most teens residing in urban areas, access to support is essential for all, regardless of location. So, whether you’re dealing with stress, feeling down, or just need someone to talk to, remember—there are resources out there for you.
Government Mental Health Support: Why It Matters
Photography by Valerii Honcharuk. Education License. Licensed by Adobe Stock.
We’ve broken down some of the many resources offered in California so you can easily access if you’re struggling with your mental health!
The Trevor Project
Have you heard about The Trevor Project? Its mission is to stop LGBTQ+ youth suicide. Did you know that 10% of teens in California schools are LGBTQ+? That’s a big chunk! Sadly, LGBTQ+ teens often face more discrimination and are more likely to consider suicide. However, the Trevor Project provides free support to youth all year round!
You can connect to a crisis counselor via chat, phone, or text message. They offer resources for sexual orientation, mental health, gender identity, community, suicide prevention, diversity, and resources for allies! Teens in the LGBTQ+ community deserve to live in a world where they can just be themselves without any worries.
Soluna App
Soluna is a cool mobile app that offers free mental health resources and support for teens in California! You can chat one-on-one with a professional coach, use interactive tools to relax, watch videos, join forums, and more. It’s like having your own personal support system right in your pocket! Plus, it’s available in 19 languages, which is perfect for California's diverse community. Their mental health call center is always there for you to chat with and provide support over the phone. And the best part? The app gives you a list of nearby mental health services based on your zip code, so you can easily find extra help in your area.
Pacific Clinics
Pacific Clinics Youth and Family Services is an awesome program in California that helps youth with their mental health. It’s totally free and open to everyone! They really care about diversity too—did you know that 73% of their clients are from BIPOC communities and 23% are LGBTQ+? They have also helped over 35,000 individuals in different regions, all from different ethnic backgrounds. Here’s some of the many services they offer:
· Outpatient mental health services: individual and family counseling, medication management, and support groups.
· Education services: assist with housing, job coaching, other support needs, and promote mental well-being.
· Social services: available in 20 languages and always ready to help.
· Trauma-aware care: prioritize inclusivity and understand your past experiences.
You can visit one of their 60 locations to get help, or they’ll even come to you if you can’t make it out. No matter where you are in California, Pacific Clinics is all about making mental health support easy and accessible for you and everyone.
Penny Lane
Penny Lane Centers is a top mental health group in California, and they are all about being inclusive and easy-to-reach for teens. Serving 75% of BIPOC clients and 20% LGBTQ+ individuals, they offer counseling, crisis help, and school programs at 50 locations statewide. They’ve got services all over the state—like counseling, crisis help, and school programs—at 50 different spots. Through Penny Lane Connect, teens find peer support and resources for online safety, LGBTQ-affirming schools, and tailored mental health services. With over 30,000 individuals served in 2020 alone, Penny Lane Centers makes a significant impact on young Californians' emotional well-being.
CalHOPE Connect
CalHOPE Connect is an amazing program in California that's helping folks deal with all the stress and tough emotions. They offer free support, like counseling and access to resources. Also, they’ve got special services just for young adults for different communities! You can chat with someone who gets what you’re going through, and they’ll even hook you up with more help if you need it. CalHOPE offers safe and culturally sensitive emotional support for all Californians through their 24-hour CalHOPE warmline at (833) 317- HOPE (4673) and BeWellLine at (949) 776-5520.
Accessing Mental Health Support for Teens: Your Guide to Available Resources in California
Photography by Synthex. Education License. Licensed by Adobe Stock.
The Trevor Project
To access The Trevor Project, follow these steps:
Visit their website https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Use the “Get Help” tab to connect with a counselor for free.
Use the “Explore Topics” tab to access their resources.
Use the “Meet Friends” tab to access TrevorSpace, where you can meet other LGBTQ+ teens internationally.
Look up specific resources you need using the search button.
Soluna App
To access the Soluna app, follow these steps:
Visit the website https://solunaapp.com/
Download the app according to your device (App store/ Google Play).
Install the app.
Create an account.
Explore the features and start utilizing their resources.
Pacific Clinics
To access the Pacific Clinics, follow these steps:
Visit the website https://www.pacificclinics.org
To create an appointment: Click “Our Services” then “Find a Location” or “Get in Contact”.
Penny Lane
To access Penny Lane, follow these steps:
Visit their website: https://www.pennylane.org.
Use the menu tab and under “our programs”, select the one you are interested in.
Use the “Contact” section to retrieve the email and/or phone numbers of the people available to help.
CalHOPE Connect
You can call the 24-hour CalHOPE warmline at (833) 317- HOPE (4673) or BeWellLine at (949) 776-5520. Use the link below to navigate what services you need and click ‘CHAT NOW’ to get immediate assistance.
Critique of the Resource
Even though all the resources we mentioned are great and easily accessible for teens in California, we think Pacific Clinics is the best resource out there. Keep reading to find out why!
“I think Pacific Clinics is the best resource because of the many locations; this makes it easier to access their treatments locally.” (Rose M.)
“I think Pacific Clinics is the best resource for adolescents because of the inclusivity it offers to diverse communities and the statistics provided to support data.” (Avneet K.)
“What’s great about Pacific Clinic is that in addition to mental health services, they also provide essential housing assistance and support for individuals in recovery, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to call home.” (Lucy G.)
“Pacific Clinics stands out as an exceptional resource to a diverse population with the accessibility to services. Adding the convenience of having home, school, or community outreach makes this one of the better choices for individuals seeking comprehensive care and support.” (Michelle S.)
“Pacific Clinics is a top resource due to its multiple locations across the state, facilitating easy access to important treatments and support services. They have a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community outreach, along with its provision of essential housing assistance programs making it a strong choice for individuals.” (Kiera M.)
Overall, Pacific Clinics is chosen by us due to its commitment towards diversity, treating clients from heterosexual, Hispanic/Latinx, white/Caucasian, Black/African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, native, and other communities, making it an inclusive environment that understands your needs.
Photography by Valerii Honcharuk. Education License. Licensed by Adobe Stock.
Closing
So, to wrap things up, mental health is a significant concern for all teens in California. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or just need someone to talk to, there are resources out there ready to support you. With awesome resources like The Trevor Project, Soluna App, Pacific Clinics, Penny Lane Centers, and CalHOPE Connect, we’ve got some cool alternatives to lean on when times get tough. Together, let's keep looking out for each other. Let's prioritize our mental health together!
Photography by DisobeyArt. Education License. Licensed by Adobe Stock.
Call-to-Action
If you or someone you know could find these resources helpful, go ahead and click the links we have provided! Share your experiences accessing mental health services with us in the comments, and most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. If you don’t think these resources are right for you, there are dozens of others you can explore in the following government websites:
Credits
Research: Rose Morel, Avneet Kooner, Lucy Go, Michelle Stephenson, Kiera McKelvey
Writing: Rose Morel, Avneet Kooner, Lucy Go, Michelle Stephenson, Kiera McKelvey
Editing: Rose Morel, Avneet Kooner, Lucy Go
References
Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Population count of adolescents (Ages 10–19). https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/surveillance/Pages/Population- Count-Adolescents-Ages-10-19.aspx
Kids Data. (n.d.). Children in rural and urban areas (California & U.S. only). https://www.kidsdata.org/topic/557/children-rural-urban/table
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (2021, February 11). LGBTQ youth in California’s public schools - Williams Institute. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgbtq-youth-ca-public-schools/
Comments