RESOURCES for STUDENTS, FAMILIES, and EDUCATORS
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7, 365 days a year. 988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers. Spanish-language services can be accessed by pressing 2 after dialing.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Adolescent Mental Health, LGBTQ Youth Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Talk About Mental Health
Second Step: COVID-19 Support - Resources for Educators and Families
National Alliance on Mental Health—Massachusetts: A helpful step-by-step guide for navigating a mental health crisis for yourself or someone you know.
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: Hand Hold: Help your child deal with strong feelings. “Life can be tough, especially for our kids. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. But what can you do right now to help your child with their mental health? We’ve curated a collection of resources that you can try at home today and organizations that we know can help.”
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options. 800-327-5050
Cambridge Health Alliance: Psychiatry Emergency Services “When you or someone you love has a psychiatric emergency, you need expert care right away.”
Riverside Community Care: Child and Family Services
William James College: Interface Referral Service The William James INTERFACE Referral Service, offered through the Freedman Center, is a mental health and wellness referral helpline that is a free, confidential referral service for residents of participating communities, including Somerville. Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call (not including existing waitlists for that provider). Available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at: 888-244-6843
The Rennie Center: Thriving Minds: Building Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
The Immigrant Learning Center: Resources for Immigrants, Parents and Educators during the Covid-19 crisis
U.S. Surgeon General: Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health
The Trevor Project: Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Youth
Love is Respect: Healthy Relationships for Young Adults
National PTA: Tackling Covid-19 Together
National PTA: What to Do (and Not Do) When Your Child is Anxious (en Español)
American Psychological Association: Helping Teens Cope with Missed Milestones
Teach for America: Mental Health Resources for Educators
Child Mind Institute: Preventing Parent Burnout (en Español)
Connect Safely: Parent’s Guide to Cyberbullying
UCLA Gender Health Program: Resources for LGBTQ Youth During Covid-19
State of Massachusetts: Mental Health and Gender-Affirming Care Resource Guide for Massachusetts LGBTQ2IA+ Young People and Their Trusted Adults
UNICEF: 8 ways teachers can support students’ mental health during Covid-19 school returns
Talking about Violence
Having 'The Talk': Expert Guidance On Preparing Kids For Police Interactions
Assisting Parents/ Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
Coping after a Traumatic Event
Supporting Students Staff, Families and Communities Impacted by Violence
MA Behavioral Health Helpline 24/7
How Caregivers Can Foster Resilience
How Schools Can Foster Resilience
Supporting Children’s Mental Wellness
Sandy Hook Promise: How to Talk to Young People in the Aftermath of Shootings, Helping Children Cope with a Gun Violence Tragedy, Como Ayudar A Los Niños A Enfrentar Una Tragedia De Violencia Armada
Colorín Colorado: 15 Tips for Talking with Children About Violence, 15 Consejos Para Hablar Con Los Niños Sobre La Violencia
Child Development Institute: How to Talk to Kids About Violence
Child Mind Institute: Helping Children Cope with Frightening News, Cómo Ayudar A Los Niños A Afrontar Noticias Alarmantes
American Psychological Association: Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
CDC: Coping with Disaster. English and Spanish
Somerville Public Schools: Social Story for children birth to 5 years. "When Things Feel Terrible: A Social Story to Help during Hard Times." by Amy Bamforth in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole.
MEDIA COVERAGE
“For immigrant students, bilingual mental health care is essential. Can schools meet the need?” from WGBH
“Making social-emotional learning work for teens,” a special report from EdWeek
“Teens are struggling with in-person high school. Here’s how parents can help” from the Today Show on NBC
“High school counselors navigate SEL, college applications amid youth mental health crisis” from K-12 Dive
“Helping students cope with a difficult year” from Edutopia
“Helping students reacclimate to being with others all day” from Edutopia
“With COVID relief money, schools across U.S. take on bigger role in students’ mental health” from Chalkbeat
“Pediatricians say the mental health crisis among kids has become a national emergency” from NPR
“Low stamina and school avoidance: For tweens, this year is unusually turbulent” from Chalkbeat
“US Surgeon General report warns of mental health crisis hitting youth” from US News & World Report