Dear Friend,

 

In the past three weeks, our mid-peninsula community lost three young members to suicide. All our thoughts and prayers are with their parents and families as well as with their friends and school communities. 

We take mental and emotional health seriously which is why we have an experienced team equipped to handle a wide range of issues. In times of crisis and tragedy, ACS heightens its presence on-campus at our partner schools to make sure students, parents, and staff have the support they need. We mobilize our entire clinical staff and interns to make sure all students who need help are seen. Whether it's dispatching staff and interns to the site in crisis, or providing assessments through our After-School Counseling Program during extended hours, we make the safety of these students our priority.  

 

I think it is important for us to remind ourselves that unlike adults, teenagers usually rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize when they are struggling and to get them the help they need. If you have an adolescent in your life, or know someone who does, it's important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.

 

In sadness,

Philippe Rey, Executive Director

California Youth Crisis Line 1-800-843-5200 
Community Solutions (Teen Crisis & Parental Stress) 24 hr 408-683-4118 

Eastfield Ming Quong (EMQ) suicide assessment 408-379-9085 

National Mental Health America 800-273-TALK 888-628-9454 (Spanish) 

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

American Psychological Association

Anxiety and Depression Association of America