Mental Health & Support Services
Supporting our students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs is as critical today as ever. There is a clear connection between mental health and academic performance, and helping students make the most of their education is everyone’s goal. Studies have shown that students living with depression or other mental illnesses have a harder time feeling motivated, learning, concentrating, taking tests, etc. But with timely and proper treatment, mental health challenges can be addressed, and students can reach overall well-being and achieve academic success.
To access school-based counseling, please contact your child’s school principal. Additionally, below you will find a list of resources, websites, and articles on social (how we relate to others), emotional (how we feel), and behavioral (how we act) supports to promote overall well-being.
Numbers to Call or Text
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of our County residents and communities. LACDMH’s Help Line is available 24/7 to provide mental health support, resources and referrals at (800) 854-7771.
The California Parent and Youth Helpline: 1-877-427-2736
Teen and Youth Hotline: 800-TLC-TEEN (800-852-8336)
Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: People in need of any kind of mental health support can call or text 988
CalHOPE Peer-Run Warm Line: Call us 916-567-0163 or email them at namicaccp@namica.org
Webinars and Podcasts with Useful Advice and Information
In-Person, Virtual and Everything In-Between: Supporting Families and Children Returning to School (NAMI Webinar)
How To Support Our Kids During COVID-19, with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (Good Kids Podcast)
Supporting Distance Learning (Parents and Caregivers for Wellness webinar)
“Bluesky: Building a Healthier California Through Youth Resilience in a COVID-19 World” (Commonwealth Club panel Discussion, featuring NAMI California CEO, Jessica Cruz)
* From NAMI California
More Resources
Mental Health Resources for Students (California Department of Education)
“How to Help Students Cope and Deal with Stress” (California Department of Mental Health)
Helping Children with ADHD (CDC)
Social-Emotional Learning Is the Elephant in the Room: Three Challenges to Consider (Education Week)
How to effectively manage your child’s back-to-school fears (Washington Times Herald)
Back to School in a Pandemic: Tips to Foster Mental Health: Part 1 and Part 2 (Psychology Today)
Helping Children Cope (CDC)