Teen Wellness for Back to School
Each week during Wellness Month, we are highlighting resources to reinforce the City Council Priority: Community Health, Safety, Wellness, and Belonging and acknowledge the United States Surgeon General’s advisory on the Loneliness Epidemic in our country. Social connection is vital to community health, and we offer many ways to connect together and take time for yourself. With school back in session this week for many teens, we’re focusing this week’s update on supporting teen wellness.
Get Involved
Mitchell Park Teen Center
The Mitchell Park Teen Center is our drop-in space for middle and high school students, open from 3–6 p.m. every weekday. The center offers game amenities such as ping pong, foosball, pool, video games, and board games for all teens to enjoy. Plus, the center hosts several free events for teens during the school year, including Arts and Crafting, Watercolor Wednesday, and Improv Night.
For teens seeking an active leadership opportunity, apply to the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) by August 25 to contribute to the Palo Alto student community! TAB members develop ideas, implement programs, and encourage teen involvement.
Palo Alto Art Center
The Palo Alto Art Center offers a space for students to see community exhibitions, create art, and get involved in teen service opportunities. Dedicated teens can apply to the Teen Leadership Program by August 30 to help create programming that connects teenagers to art and artists.
Youth Climate Advisory Board
The Palo Alto Youth Climate Advisory Board (YCAB) is a body of high school students dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate stewardship. YCAB members provide feedback on Palo Alto’s climate initiatives and bring Citywide sustainability efforts to local high schools. Apply by August 19 to contribute to local sustainability.
Palo Alto Youth Council
Members of the Palo Alto Youth Council (PAYC) serve as youth ambassadors to City Council. PAYC addresses the key concerns of teens, connects students to the greater Palo Alto community, and offers opportunities for civic engagement and leadership. Apply to PAYC by August 25 to make a real impact!
Palo Alto City Library
Check out teen resources at the Palo Alto City Library, including fun events, test prep, and homework help. Read a story from the staff-created book list on Mental Health for Teens. Plus, explore library-related volunteering and earn volunteer hours by submitting a post to the Teen Blog. Feel free to submit a book or movie review, art/photo gallery, or blog post on a topic of your choice — the point is to be engaging, explore your creativity, and have fun!
Mental Health Support
allcove offers free or low-cost confidential counseling services to young people aged 12 to 25. Their services include counseling on mental health, substance use, and career support. Feel free to walk into their location at 2741 Middlefield Road, Suite 102 from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
The Children’s Health Council is a local organization offering Teen Therapy Services, including family counseling services and a free 30-minute consultation for teens. Visit their Palo Alto location at 650 Clark Way or try their virtual teletherapy option.
The Gronowski Center at Palo Alto University provides a wide range of psychological services to adolescents and families. Service fees are based on a sliding scale of family income so that everyone can get the help they need.
For additional support, check out other free hotlines, helplines, and safelines for teens.
General Resources
The Palo Alto Link provides free rides for teens (ages 13–18) to specific destinations promoting mental health, including all Palo Alto City Libraries, Mitchell Park Community Center, allcove Palo Alto, and more. Rides to other destinations are just $1 for teens.
More Online Resources
For more resources and ways to get involved, visit Teen Services.
Visit the Paly Wellness Center, the Gunn Wellness Center, and wellness resources from PAUSD.
