Online Resources for Teens and Families

National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Both numbers are toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotlines which connect you to a trained counselor at the nearest suicide crisis center. For more information about suicide prevention, and stories of hope and recovery, visit the suicide prevention lifeline website.

TeensHealth

TeensHealth is a safe, private place that provides honest, accurate information in plain language for teens. All articles are reviewed by pediatricians and other medical experts. The site covers a wide variety of topics, such as experts answering teen’s questions, dating, and puberty’s effect on the body and brain.

Erika's Lighthouse Depression Toolbox

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit that raises awareness about adolescent depression, and creates educational materials promoting good mental health. They have a toolkit with materials on learning about, coping with, treating, and getting help for depression.

The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-TREVOR

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. It is also available as a resource to parents, family members and friends of young people. The website has a variety of resources, including “Dear Trevor,” an online Q&A forum for non-time sensitive questions.

Jed Foundation Mental Health Resource Center

The Jed Foundation works to prevent suicide and promote good mental health in teens and young adults. Resources available include managing stress, and how to approach a friend who seems depressed. The site also has resources geared towards older teens who are preparing for or starting college.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Depresion Resource Center

The AACAP’s website has numerous resources, including a Depression Resource Center, as well as information about Depression in Children and Teens specifically.

This is a selection of reputable online resources for teens and parents. The resources range from general questions about health, and relationships, to information about specific mood disorders. These resources are meant to benefit all participants, not just those with a mental health diagnosis.

We welcome suggestions- if you’ve found a great site, email it to us. We might add it to the list!

re:solve crisis network

If you need help and want to contact local services, contact the the re:solve crisis network. Re:solve crisis offers crisis counseling and support, referrals, and intervention services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline, mobile crisis unit, and walk-in center are all free to residents of Allegheny county.

Don’t wait for a crisis to become a crisis. Contact re:solve at 1-888-796-8226.