Youth Mental Health Resources

Mental Health and Well Being
*Resource is from an NFCYM member organization

Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Suicide Prevention

  • Suicide Prevention Toolkit for High Schools – a comprehensive 230 page pdf developed by SAMHSA for use by schools and parishes to assist in developing a comprehensive plan for prevention, intervention, and response.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 988 Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For Spanish speaking, call 888-628-9454
  • Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Resources for faith communities.
  • Faith. Hope. Life. – Created by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, this is an opportunity for every faith community in the United States to focus one Sabbath each year on the characteristics common to most faiths that also help prevent suicides.
  • Warning Signs and Symptoms Your Teen Is Suffering From Depression or Suicidal Thoughts – a short blog post from Roy Petitfils, a counselor and author, and an internationally recognized expert in understanding and raising teenagers.
  • Preventing Suicide – resources and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide.
  • Suicide Prevention – a resource site from the National Institute of Health (NIH) on suicide risk factors, signs and symptoms, steps for help and treatment therapies.
  • Suicide Prevention for Tribal Communities – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
  • Tips for Supporting Grieving Youth – Developed by the Dougy Center, providing support and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.
  • Postvention Resources – Resources on postvention (an organized response in the aftermath of a suicide) provided by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

Cutting & Self-Injury

  • Preventing Self-Harm: What You Should Know if You Want to Offer Help – information on how to support a loved one who is struggling with self-harm developed by the the University of Southern California’s online Master of Social Work program.
  • Understanding Teen Cutting and Self Harm – an article for parents written by Boys Town on warning signs, risk factors and treatment steps for those who self injure.
  • S.A.F.E. Alternatives – is a nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base, committed to helping achieve an end to self-injurious behavior. Self Injury Information Hotline: 800-366-8288.
  • Adolescent Self-Harm – a brief overview on self harm along with causes and cures provided by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Boystown – A toll-free national resource and hotline for youth under age 25. Provides supportive services for both males and females. 24-hour Helpline: 800-448-3000.

Substance Abuse

  • Preventing Teen Prescription Misuse – facts on teen drug use, misuse symptoms, scripts for parents, and more. From SingleCare
  • A Guide to Teen Vaping – outlines vaping, it’s effects, signs of vaping, and how to address it with teens.
  • Partnership to End Addiction – providing support and guidance to families struggling with their son’s or daughter’s substance use.
  • The National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center (800-784-6776): maintains a comprehensive database of the leading drug and alcohol treatment centers both internationally and in the United States for every level of treatment option from affordable to luxury.
  • AddictionResource.net: provides general information on addiction and resource/rehab centers
  • Al-Anon/Alateen – a referral for local chapters offering support for family members affected by addiction in the home (800-425-2666). Website also in Spanish and French.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous – AA is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse – comprehensive resource site for research, organizations and treatment options for those encountering substance abuse.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration – SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
  • Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse – DrugRehab is a web resource provided and funded by Advanced Recovery Systems providing free research and fact-based resources. This page contains information on how religion and spirituality can help those overcoming addiction.
  • Teenage Addiction Rehab – covers common causes of addiction, early warning signs, and steps to take, including helpful resources.
  • Substance Abuse Guide for Parents – developed by DrugRehab.com
  • In God’s Image – A single-session evidence-informed program preventing youth substance use while promoting spiritual, physical, mental health and positive self-identity.
  • A Complete Guide to Substance Abuse in College – Health Administration Degrees presents the latest facts on substance abuse including its prevalence, legalities, and effects  among college students.
  • Treatment and Recovery – Addiction Group
  • Substance Abuse and Teenagers – The Palm Beach Institute presents a resource for teens who struggle with substance abuse.
  • Online Addiction Counseling – An online source to get in touch with online counselors for substance abuse.
  • Drug Abuse In College Students – A guide provided by ARK Behavioral Health on substance abuse in college
  • Addiction in Children – A Delphi guide to identifying warning signs of substance abuse in children.

Yazmín Maní Malone

Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin


Diocesan Member

"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.

'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."

Eva P. Delgado

Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church

Associate Member

"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.

NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."