Youth Mental Health Giving Opportunities

The United States Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry all agree: The challenges faced by today's youth - exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic - are having a devastating effect on their mental health. Twenty percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 experience some type of mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. High school students reporting persistent hopelessness or sadness increased 40% between 2009 and 2019; and those considering suicide increased 28%. 

We highly recommend the organizations listed in this guide, which work to address the crisis of youth mental health in 4 ways: reducing stigma; providing service for at risk populations; advocating for policy change; and offering local treatment. These organizations were curated by our professional philanthropic advisors and informed by the organizations our donor-advised funds support. We encourage you to consider supporting these organizations as part of your giving strategy.

If you are interested in opening a Federation donor-advised fund to facilitate your giving, start here.

 

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Jewish Community Federation logo

Federation's Mental Health and Wellness Initiative

Pandemic-related mental health trauma continues to affect many across the entire Jewish community and will remain a challenge for years to come. The Federation supports social services agencies and sets region-specific goals to reach more people in need of mental health and wellness services. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment)
EIN: 94-1156533

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JFCS East Bay logo

Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay (JFCS East Bay)

Delivers essential mental health and social services to Alameda and Contra Costa County residents of all ages, races, and religions; resources are offered in English, Spanish, and Hebrew. JFCS East Bay also provides group therapy programs for youth, teens, and families, including East Bay Jewish teen learning programs. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment)
EIN: 94-3250304

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JFCS Logo

JFCS Center for Children and Youth

Advocates for policy change at the state and federal levels and offers community workshops to reduce stigma and teach practical mental health skills. JFCS also provides diagnostic testing, evaluation, and clinical services for a broad range of issues delivered by an interdisciplinary care team. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment; Policy Change)
EIN: 94-1156528

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; UCSF logo

UCSF Child Trauma Research Program (CTRP)

In collaboration with local and national partners, CTRP provides mental health services to families, trains mental health clinicians, and conducts research on the effect of trauma on children and families. CTRP’s approach improves patients’ physical stress symptoms, learning outcomes, and emotional and behavioral health. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment)
EIN: 94-2829914

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child mind institute logo

Child Mind Institute

Dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders, striving for impact in three areas: care, education, and science. Its California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project offers free resources for caregivers to teach kids mental health and coping skills. (Local Treatment; Policy Change)
EIN: 80-0478843

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A home within logo

A Home Within

A network of over 1,800 licensed volunteer mental health clinicians working to create lasting, caring relationships for children and youth in foster care by providing free, one-to-one therapy “for as long as it takes.” A Home Within also provides education and training for foster families, courts, and systems. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment)
EIN: 94-3402610

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Access institute Logo

Access Institute for Psychological Services

Provides care to individuals with the greatest need and the least access to mental health care. Its In-School Mental Health Program provides free mental health services in Bay Area communities facing barriers to treatment. Interventions are created with parents, teachers, and school staff to support each child’s unique needs. (At-risk Population; Local Treatment)
EIN: 01-0595862

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Bring Change to Mind (BC2M)

Works to end the stigma around mental illness through multimedia public information campaigns and youth programs. BC2M high school programs, which span 25 states and serve more than 12,000 students, are student-led clubs that provide space for educated conversations that demystify and destigmatize mental illness. (Stigma Reduction; Local Treatment)
EIN: 01-0974537

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National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI)

A national alliance of over 600 local affiliates working to support individuals living with mental illness and their families. Programs include NAMI FaithNet, an interfaith resource network. NAMI also leads public awareness events like Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks to raise awareness and fight stigma. (Stigma Reduction; Policy Change; At-risk Population)
EIN: 43-1201653

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