Welcome to our SBFC Virtual Teen Center. It was created for South Bay youth by South Bay youth who recognize the mental health challenges that so many teens face. Together we hope this page may inspire you to practice self care and kindness, connect with your passion, and let you know you are not alone. For instructions to view this page in Spanish, click on en Español.


Visit the SBFC Teens Instagram page for videos created by our youth advisory to reduce stigma and increase awareness around mental health challenges that so many teens face. Our posts aim to inspire, connect, and let you know you are not alone.


Gallery of Resources

Mental health

 
 

Harm prevention

Common challenges

 
 

Positive connections and awareness

Calming rooms and tools to de-stress

 
 

You are not alone


Are you feeling…

College admissions stress?

Teens share experiences helpful advice,

Self worth struggles?

Teens lead a guided discussion on mental health.

Emotional regulation issues?

Rafael McMaster helps youth connect with the power of self awareness

 

Not enough? (You are!)

Evan Papadakis, LCSW, shares tips for connecting with yourself and awareness that you are enough.

Out of balance?

Kim Digilio shares a six-minute mindfulness session.

 

The SBFC Teen Advisory

Our 2024-25 school-year advisory includes Owen Henry*, Josephine Urbon*, Taylor Roth*, Chandler Stone*, Eloise Muhlfeld, Brendan Jorenby, Riley Marsh, Adrianna Martinez and Katie Moore. Thank you also to last year’s members, Pax Stetson, Vy Le, Ian Son, Nicole Mathews, Jace Cortez, Chandler Stone, Whitney Marsh, Harrison Belden, George Kilroy, Aidan Tacinelli, Cooper Manual, Charlie Farber, Hailey Fiallos, Lily Namordadze and Rio Colino for their many contributions. Thank you to Jennifer Elledge, MPH, and Kelly Hendrickson, RN, for providing support and guidance to our advisors.

* Two or more years on the advisory


Reach out for help when you need it

If you are feeling overwhelmed, know that help is available. Please reach out to a trusted adult and/or your school counseling department for guidance and support. They will have an exhaustive list of options. Below are some community resources that can also help.

For crisis support

  • To access related resources created for your parents and guardians so they can support you, please click HERE.

  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255.

  • The Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis. Text Hello to 741-741 and a live, trained crisis counselor will receive the text and respond.

  • The LA County Department of Mental Health services phone number is 800-854-7771.

  • Dial 211 or visit the 211 website to access information and referrals for counseling, emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, rape crisis and domestic violence crisis.

  • The Community Helpline, at 877-541-2525, offers trained crisis listeners who provide support and a non-judgmental listening ear.

  • Youth can always call or text the California Youth Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 1-800-843-5200

  • If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 866-488-7386.

  • The Teen Line, established in 1980, is a nonprofit, community-based organization offering help to teenagers. Its mission is to provide personal teen-to-teen education and support before problems become a crisis, If you or anyone you know is going through a hard time, please feel free to reach out! Call 310-855-4673.

For mental health treatment and referrals

  • Visit the Beach Cities Health District referral webpage for South Bay mental health resources and treatment providers.

  • Beach Cities Health District has launched allcove Beach Cities, which serves young people ages 12 - 25 with mild to moderate needs looking for support. Services include mental health counseling, physical health, substance use prevention, career coaching, peer support and family support. Services are provided to residents throughout the South Bay and are provided free of charge. For more information or to make an appointment, call (310) 374-5706.

  • Soluna provides confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California at no cost. Chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, or explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more.

To download a Virtual Teen Center printable flyer to use in your school or business, click HERE.