Heads Up Boston Teen Resources
If you have questions about your mental health, there are plenty of resources available. We’ve put together a list of helplines, websites, and programs that can help.
Helplines available at any time 24/7
988 Mental Health Lifeline
If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 and connect with a support specialist.
Available 24/7
Call or text 988
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline
Get the mental health support you need, whenever or wherever you need it. Services provided in over 200 languages.
Available 24/7
Call or text 833-773-2445
The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth
If you are thinking of harming yourself, connect with a crisis counselor for immediate crisis support.
Available 24/7
Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678678, or chat
Hey Sam
Dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old. Whatever the reason, reach out. You are not alone.
Available daily 9 a.m. - midnight ET
Text 439-726
The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline for Youth and Young Adults
The Helpline can help you find effective harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services that are right for you right now.
Available 24/7
Call 800-327-5050, text 800327, or chat
Support for teens
Headspace for Teens
Free meditations and mindfulness exercises for teens to help them learn the skills to be healthier and happier.
Finding Help (NAMI MA)
Learn what to do when you need help with your mental health.
How to Talk to My Friends (NAMI MA)
Read tips on how to open up to your friends.
How to Talk to My Parents or Guardian (NAMI MA)
Read tips on how to start the conversation with your parent or guardian.
Social Media and Mental Health (NAMI MA)
Explore suggestions for protecting your mental health while using social media.
Your Mental Health and School (NAMI MA)
Learn what to do if you need more mental health support in school.
Boston Public Health Commission Programs for Teens
The Peer Leadership Institute (PLI) promotes healthy lifestyles for Boston's inner-city youth. PLI is a peer to peer experience. It focuses on health education. It also empowers youth to take ownership of their personal health and engage in their communities.
The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. SSYI utilizes a comprehensive public health approach to outreach, engagement, case management, and service delivery to increase positive outcomes for adolescents and young adults ages 17-24.
The Youth Development Network (YDN) partners with three Boston public high schools to reduce chronic absenteeism among students.
The Youth Prevention Program was created in response to the Boston Youth Substance Use Prevention Strategic Plan released in 2018.
The Boston Area Health Education Center (BAHEC) is a youth pathway to health careers program. BAHEC believes in inspiring Boston high school students to pursue health careers. It provides hands-on learning and exposure through year-long and summer programming.
Cope Code Club supports Boston youth in identifying healthy ways to cope with difficult feelings. These include stress, anger, and self-esteem.
Start Strong is an internationally recognized high school peer leadership program that aims to prevent teen dating violence and promote healthy relationships.
The Health Resource Center (HRC) is a collaboration between the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Public Schools. It brings comprehensive sexual health education, in-school health counseling, referrals, and community health care resources to high school students.
Download Heads Up Resources
- Checklist: Check in with yourself and find ways to take care of your mental health
- Bookmark: Mental health resources available to you 24/7 or during the day
- Support Starter: Guide to help you figure out how you’re feeling and who to talk to
