Mental Health Awareness Month
Published on May 08, 2023
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. The City encourages residents to be well, stay connected, and know you’re not alone.
From the 2022 Palo Alto Community Survey, 59% of respondents shared that they did not know about the availability of affordable quality mental health care, 18% rated the availability as poor, 13% as fair, and 11% as either good or excellent.
There are several local resources available and we’re providing a list of resources that is a sample of what residents can find on our Be Well webpage.
For more resources and programs, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/BeWell.
Local Resources for Youth
Find local resources for youth.
- The Children’s Health Council is a local organization offering Teen Therapy Services, including a free 30-minute consultation for teens or to explore group and family counseling services.
- allcove provides non-urgent mental health support for young people 12-25 years old.
- Project Safety Net (PSN) mobilizes community support and resources in Palo Alto for youth suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Local Resources for Everyone
Find local resources.
- There is a dedicated onsite field team based in Palo Alto that can be dispatched to North County to support individuals facing mental health or substance use crisis. Reach the County's TRUST program (TRUST stands for “Trusted Response Urgent Support Team.”) by calling (800) 704-0900 and press 1, or call/text 9–8–8 from local 408, 650, and 669 area codes. When calling, you will be connected with a call center team who will respond to individuals facing a mental health or substance use crisis, provide follow-up and referrals as needed, and de-escalate high stress situations. They treat every situation on a case-by-case basis, providing responsive care.
Public Health Crisis of Loneliness, Isolation, and Lack of Connection
Social connection can create healthier, more prosperous, and resilient communities, and is essential to our health and well-being.
The US Surgeon General called for action to address a public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. This crisis predates the COVID-19 pandemic and sets a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social connection.
Some tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase your level of social connection include:
- Invest time nurturing your relationships. Connect with friends, family, and neighbors this summer at Palo Alto events and activities.
- Participate in social and community groups. Whether fitness, religious, hobby, professional, or community service organizations, participating can foster a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose. There are resources from the City to help you participate – Activities and Programs, Recreation Services, Open Space and Parks
- Seek out opportunities to serve and support others. The City provides more information about how you can get involved by volunteering.
- Gain help during times of struggle. Reach out to a family member, friend, counselor, health care provider, or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline online or by calling 9-8-8.
Find tools for wellness and wellbeing.
Other Online Resources
Social Connection Resources For: Parents & Caregivers and Individuals