Teen and Young Adult Resources
For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
For non-emergency: the NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Additional resources include the SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance use and mental health treatment.
Relatable fictional books targeted for teens struggling with mental health (targeted towards a more mature demographic):
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
A coming-of-age novel that explores themes of mental health, identity, and self-acceptance, with the plot surrounding the 16-year-old protagonist, who struggles with OCD and Anxiety
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
A book that covers the hardships of a 17-year-old overcoming the grief of losing her family and recovering from self-harm
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
A coming-of-age novel focusing on a 15-year-old freshman navigating his journey through high school and uncovering the struggles of identity and living with trauma caused by sexual assault
Podcasts curated for teens on mental health:
On Our Minds (PBS News)
A student-led podcast about the biggest mental health struggles that young people face
She Persisted by Sadie Sutton
Relays factually-proven psychology facts in a helpful way that allows you to connect your experiences in a relatable way
Local teen support groups:
A free peer support group for 8th-grade to 12th-grade teens (attend in-person and virtual)
Pathways Psychology Services
Offers group counseling in Winfield, Aurora, Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and other areas surrounding the Illinois suburbs.
Additional Resources for parents interested in reaching out to accommodate their teens:
Dupage Health: Youth and Family Behavioral Health Services
Jed Foundation: Offers info and advice without judgment
TeenLine: Their mission is to provide support, resources, and hope to young people through a hotline of professionally trained teen counselors, and outreach programs that de-stigmatize and normalize mental health.
