S e r v i c e s   f o r   T e e n s

 
Alcohol and Drug Helpline—This is a 24-hour free service that offers support, information about 12-step programs, and referrals to an extensive database of social service agencies throughout San Mateo county. Call 650-573-3950.
 
Counseling Clinic—Provides affordable individual and family counseling for teens who are dealing with peer conflicts, trouble in school, homework stress, low self-esteem and communication issues. For more information click here or call 650-591-9623 x128.
 
Crisis Hotline—This 24-hour telephone hotline offers counseling for kids who are feeling depressed or suicidal. Our lines are safe and anonymous places to explore feelings and concerns, vent frustrations, clarify problems, get referrals or just to talk. Teens can obtain mental health information at the On Your Mind web site, where they can also talk live to trained teen peer mentors in a chat room. Visit the web site at www.onyourmind.net or call 650-579-0350.
 
Crisis Intervention Team—(For San Mateo County Schools only.) If a student seems to be suicidal, one of our on-call counselors will discuss the situation with a teacher by telephone, and if necessary visit the school to assess the at-risk youth, and assist them in getting the help they need. Call the hotline at 650-579-0359 to request an intervention.
 
Daybreak—This program provides independent living skills training for homeless teens aged 16-20. Residents participate in a structured six-month program where they are required to attend school, work, and save a portion of their paychecks. Teens are connected to medical and mental health services, and learn how to shop, cook, manage their money, find and maintain a job, and locate housing. Call 650-364-4633
 
Diversion—An early intervention program for youth referred for first-time misdemeanor offenses. The counseling program is designed to help youth struggling with difficult issues, such as family conflict, peer relationships, acculturation, drug and alcohol abuse, school-related challenges and anger management. Call 650-591-9623 x116
 
Insights—A voluntary drug and alcohol recovery program for youth that includes case management, as well as individual, group and family counseling. Participants learn about anger management, relationships, mental health, communicating with parents and more. Call 650-366-8436
 
Juvenile GIRLS—A court-mandated intensive program that provides assessment, counseling and case management services for incarcerated girls aged 13-18. Participants learn how to deal with significant substance abuse and mental health problems. Call 650-366-8436
 
School-Based Services—This program provides family and group counseling services to schools throughout San Mateo County. Psychoeducation and counseling help at-risk youth and their families learn about anger management, socialization skills, self esteem and other issues, and crisis intervention and youth development services are also available. Call 650-591-9623 x116
 
Transitional Housing Placement—Provides subsidized apartments and case management services for teens aged 16-18 who are preparing to leave the Foster Care system. Youth must abide by strict curfew, visitation and housekeeping rules, and learn the skills necessary to prepare for independent living. Call 650-401-8617 x21
 
Your House South—Provides 24-hour emergency and temporary housing for youth aged 10 to 17 whose families are in crisis. Youth are able to live at the shelter for 14 ­ 30 days, where they participate in a structured program that includes individual, group and family counseling. The goal of the program is to reunite the youth with their families. Call 650-367-9687
 
Youth Development Initiative—Promotes and advocates the development of youth in the community, by treating youth as valued resources and encouraging youth/adult interaction. High-school youth are able to be trained as Peer Mentors, serve as members of County boards and commissions, and educate adults about the importance of involving youth. Visit the web site at www.bethedifference.org or call 650-401-8617 x19
 
Links to Partnering Agencies
The National Runaway Switchboard serves as a federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, like Youth and Family Enrichment Services, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The NRS hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit the web site at
1-800RUNAWAY.org