Teens and Aging Out –
Mental Health Resources for Current and Former Foster Youth
National Resources
A Home Within – A Home Within is a network of volunteer therapists and clinics that provide free psychotherapy services to current and former foster youth. They also have a series of online trainings that can help folks who interact with foster youth learn best practices for navigating trauma and understand how therapy works. You can request free psychotherapy services here.
Foster Youth Mental Health Bill of Rights – This document can help you figure out what your rights are and, in fact, what you deserve when it comes to receiving mental health care. In addition to advice on how to speak with your provider, they have sections with topics and questions you can address with social workers, probation officers, nurses, and lawyers.
Medicaid Until 26 – Under the Affordable Care Act, folks who were in foster care at the time they turned 18 can receive free Medicaid coverage until the age of 26. Medicaid coverage will cover some mental health services as well as prescription medications.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – This national grassroots mental health organization works to advocate for folks struggling with mental illness. Their Teen and Young Adult resource center has a ton of useful information for younger people struggling with mental health concerns. You can also text NAMI to 741741 or call 800-950-NAMI to connect to their hotline if you’re in crisis.
OK2Talk – This is a program from NAMI that allows teens to send in anonymous posts about struggles with mental health. You can check out their page to find other folks who are working through the same concerns as you.
Trevor Project – The Trevor Project works to prevent suicide among and provide counseling for LGBTQIA+ youth. If you’re LGBTQIA+ and are experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, you can call their hotline at 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat with them online via the website.
Young Minds Advocacy – While most of their work is a nonprofit dedicated to serving the mental health needs of young folks generally, the resources section on YMA’s page is a great place to search for mental health organizations and services. They also have a blog and accept guest posts from youth struggling with mental health concerns.