As a community, we can each make a difference by...
- understanding that mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, income, social status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
- treating mental health challenges with the same respect and care we show someone who has a physical illness or injury so that youth and caregivers do not feel shame asking for help.
- educating ourselves, leaning in, showing compassion, listening, and offering our support so those struggling don't feel alone.
YouthWell Programs in Santa Barbara County
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CONNECTING FAMILIES TO COMMUNITY...
resources
Our online Youth and Family Mental Health and Wellness Resource Directory can be viewed in English and Spanish. Families can search for services for youth, ages 0-25, and find support groups, treatment programs, crisis hotlines, therapists, and postvention resources for those in recovery.
Find book lists to help you on your journey and handouts that help to manage self-care, improve communication, and recognize the signs of emotional distress. Find tips for choosing a program, screening tools, questions to ask a therapist, and more to help you navigate.
View the Community Calendar for workshops, support groups, and classes.
EMPOWERING FAMILIES THROUGH...
education
YouthWell focuses on education providing free virtual monthly Wellness Workshops on a variety of topics for students (ages 10-25), parents, and those working with youth in order to eliminate stigma, open up conversations about teen mental health today, and connect families to resources. Participants learn tools and tips for managing their mental wellness and practicing self-care in order to build resilience so they are better equipped to cope with stress and challenging situations. Spanish interpretation is provided.
View workshop RECORDINGS on YouTube channel
YouthWell also partners with the Mental Wellness Center and FSA to offer Youth & Teen Mental Health First Aid training throughout SB County.
CHAMPIONING CHANGE THROUGH...
collaboration
The YouthWell Community Collaborative convenes quarterly with 60+ engaged community partners including school districts, organizations, healthcare, providers, law enforcement, juvenile probation, foster care, faith communities, and those representing our marginalized communities. We continue to work together towards systemic change to eliminate stigma, fill the gaps, and remove barriers to services so that all youth and their families can access the care they need in a timely manner through a warm handoff.
The Behavioral Health Linkages Team convenes monthly to educate the 40+ resource navigators, local crisis lines, and school counselors throughout the county so that they are better equipped to support families. They work to improve the mental health referral process in order to foster “warm handoffs” and close the loop to ensure that youth and caregivers are accessing the services they need.
ELIMINATING STIGMA BY...
raising awareness
YouthWell sends eNewsletters highlighting mental health issues and local resources as well as actively promoting on social media [@youthwell] tips for recognizing the signs of emotional distress and ideas for practicing self-care.
Participate in our 2022 social awareness campaign designed by student interns in Santa Barbara County with messages of hope to remind youth and families that they are not alone, it's ok to ask for help, & that it's ok to not be ok.
Future projects: Host Youth and Family Mental Health & Wellness Day, Oct 10. Launch Compassion Project to provide "simple acts of kindness" to those needing support.
community events
print resources
