A Critical Time to Focus on Youth Mental Health
Today’s Youth Mental Health Crisis
Adolescents today are facing unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate challenges due to media, social forces and other societal and culture influences that impact youth mental health. Over the last decade, national surveys of youth have shown alarming increases in the prevalence of certain mental health conditions.
Today more than ever, schools, community organizations, health care organizations, funders and government are acting to help address the crisis, advancing critical research and solutions to support youth needs. Yet despite increasing awareness of youth mental health issues, access to affordable, quality care remains a significant challenge.
Feelings of Hopelessness
42%
Pandemic Impact
60%
Suicide Attempts
36%
Lack of Treatment
49%
Power of Peer-Based Support Systems
Youth empowerment is a critical link in addressing today’s mental health challenges. Peer support programs can be a powerful tool to fill those gaps.
Peer support relationships are uniquely positioned to offer special forms of empathy, connection and encouragement as peer mentors can truly walk alongside their mentees in dealing with mental health challenges, sharing individualized encouragement and practical tools and strategies based on real-life experience. Peer support is especially important for youth, since peer mentors in the same age range may better understand the specific challenges and barriers faced, may have firsthand knowledge of the services and supports available and may place greater emphasis on supporting connections to peers, school and family than traditional service models.
One in Five partners with youth and the organizations surrounding them to build innovative and evidence-based peer support programs. Our unique model engages and empowers youth to become part of the mental health solution by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to understand their own challenges and to serve as mentors to others. Our youth-led programs are implemented within schools and community-based settings and positioned to complement clinical services.
“I can connect my own experience to help my mentees, even if their feelings look different from mine. I’ve also learned so many communication skills. I can talk more freely and give my opinion to advocate for my mentees.”
Our Programs
We develop and pilot our research-based programs alongside youth and the organizations that serve them. Programs are designed to empower youth to understand their lived experiences and build knowledge and skills to manage their conditions and support others, while offering exposure to meaningful long-term mental health careers. Programs are implemented within schools and community-based settings and designed to complement clinical services.
Youth Mental Health Empowerment Curriculum
Designed for organizations seeking solutions that prioritize empowerment and promote peer-based connection. Our flexible curriculum can be used in a variety of ways within youth settings including before and after school settings, camps, classrooms and community-based programs.
Peer Mentoring
Program
Our school-based program provides in-depth support for youth to understand their lived experiences and build knowledge and skills to support others. Program length and scale can flex based on the needs of the school or organization.
Youth Mental Health Apprenticeship Program
This immersive course for high school students builds knowledge and skills and offers practical exposure to and real world experience in mental health careers.
Our Partners
One in Five’s partners are essential in helping create and scale successful programs. Our partners provide support for program design, development, piloting and refinement and help expand youth access to our programs.
Join the Movement
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