RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is in crisis, text or call 988 to access mental health support or explore strategies.
Navigating the world as a young person can be challenging, and the journey toward mental wellness is not always a straight path. This directory has been compiled with resources designed to support mental health. These resources are a testament to the fact that you are not alone, and help is available. We encourage you to use this directory as a starting point to find the support and information you need to foster a healthy mind and a brighter future. If you have an additional resource or organization you suggest we highlight, please reach out to CST Education Programs Manager Kevin Williams at kdw@centralsquaretheater.org.
In addition to the resources below, Cambridge Youth Council has compiled a mental health awareness campaign for youth, by youth. Check out the CYC Youth Headspace Campaign for mental health resources, organizations, facts, quotes, and de-stressing techniques.
Basic Needs
Cambridge Public Health Department has compiled a Cambridge Food Resource Guide with information about food pantries, free community meals, food resources for older adults, and more.
Cambridge Housing Authority and the City of Cambridge have a long, proud tradition of providing support to our low-income, elderly, and disabled citizens. Whether you need help with childcare, healthcare, finishing school, learning a trade, or looking for something fun to do on the weekend, the Community Resources Page can be a helpful resource.
The City of Cambridge offers a variety of programs for safety, housing, food security, and coping with severe weather.
SELF CARE
Young Minds is an organization based in the UK. Their mission is to provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. Check out a breakdown on what it means to Self Care.
Healthy Monday provides tools you can use to manage stress and improve your overall health. Check out free programs and tools in the Healthy Monday Resources.
Among many different options for online therapy, Talkspace provides services and articles to further investigate mental wellness. Check out one of their blog posts “11 Self-Care Ideas for Teens“
Psychology Today offers a variety of articles on mental health including “11 Self-Care Tips for Teens and Young Adults“
BIPOC Related Resources
AAKOMA Project: AAKOMA Project helps diverse teens and their families achieve optimal mental health through dialogue, learning, and understanding that everyone deserves care and support.
Asian Mental Health Collective: The Asian Mental Health Collective raises awareness of the importance of mental health care, promotes emotional well-being, and challenges the stigma concerning mental health conditions among Asian communities globally.
Black Mental Health Alliance: The Black Mental Health Alliance develops, promotes, and sponsors trusted, culturally relevant educational forums, trainings, and referral services that support the well being of Black people and other vulnerable communities.
WeRNative: WeRNative provides a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, including content and stories about the topics that matter most to them.
LGBTQIA+ RElated Resources
Greater Boston PFLAG: The Greater Boston PFLAG is a group of parents, families, friends and LGBTQ people who help change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that LGBTQ family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive.
Pride Institute: The Pride Institute specializes in helping LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18 and older recover from substance use conditions, sexual health issues, and mental health conditions.
True Colors United: True Colors United focuses on ending houselessness among LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to providing learning resources and advocacy, they also provide fundraising guides for those interested in raising money to support LGBTQ+ youth.
Articles for Caregivers
ADVOCACY
The Children’s Mental Health Campaign is a large statewide network that advocates for policy, systems, and practice solutions to ensure all children in Massachusetts have access to resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health issues in a timely, effective, and compassionate way.
Massachusetts Advocates for Children is a leader in special education advocacy, autism, and educational advocacy. They work with students, families, communities, and at the policy level to remove barriers to education for children across Massachusetts. (617) 357-8431 ext. 3224