Resources For Children, Youth, & Young Adults

The following resources were developed by NAMI with input from NAMI's Young Adult Advisory Board.
An info-graphic titled Getting the Right Start a student guide to mental health which lists the 10 common most warning signs of a potential problem.

Getting the right start

One in five youth and young adults live with a mental health condition. This fact sheet educates readers about the ten common warning signs of mental illness, what to say to someone you are worried about, and what to do if you or a friend need help.
Download Fact Sheet

How to help a friend

When a friend is in need we don't always know where to go or what to do to get them help. This fact sheet reviews the 10 common warning signs, conversation starters, ways to offer support, and what you can say to your friend.
Download Fact Sheet
An info-graphic titled Want to know how to help a friend a student guide to mental health which lists the 10 common most warning signs of a potential problem.
An info-graphic titled taking charge of your mental health which lists tips to find the right specialist for you or your loved one

Taking Charge

This fact sheet provides tips on finding the right specialist, how to make your first appointment count, what questions to ask, ways to stay engaged in your treatment plan, and wellness strategies to incorporate into your daily life.
Download Fact Sheet

Resources for Children, Youth, and Young Adults

The links below offer information that may be relevant to youth/young adults. These links are not endorsed by NAMI Dane County but are separate organizations.

Need to talk but don’t feel like talking? Text “HELPLINE” to 62640 between 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday, to connect with the NAMI HelpLine. The free, peer-support service provides information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.

Local Resources

  • Briarpatch Youth Services provides free crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency shelter for youth ages 12-17. The 24/7 helpline number can be reached at (608) 251-1126 or (800)798-1126, where individuals can request a counseling intake during business hours, and/or shelter intake at any time. Briarpatch has an emergency shelter for youth who are currently experiencing homelessness, running away from a dangerous situation, or have been kicked out of their current place of residence.

  • Journey Mental Health Center’s child and adolescent services provides treatment and intervention options. Call 608-280-2720 to schedule an appointment for a screening and consultation.

  • RISE Wisconsin provides family-based services to support children living with mental illness.

  • For additional information, visit either the Dane County Department of Human Services or the Family Support & Resource Center website for an extensive list of youth/young adult mental health services.

National Resources

  • The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24. Call the 24/7 Help Line at 1-866-488-7386 .

  • OK2TALK is a community for teens and young adults struggling with mental health challenges

  • Child Mind Institute’s #MyYoungerSelf campaign fights the stigma for the 1 in 5 children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Actors, athletes, influencers and more send messages of hope that transform lives.

  • Change to Chill is a website sponsored by Allina Health to help you figure out what stress is, what causes it and how you can manage it.

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If you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis, please call 988 to speak with a trained counselor or call 911 and request a Mental Health Trained Officer.

For resources or to speak with a Peer or Parent Peer Support Specialist please follow the link below.

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