Mental Health
Mental Health Support Resources and Services
Amid growing concerns about mental health, particularly among young people, various resources and services are available to provide support. From helplines to therapy and counseling services, efforts are being made to address the mental health challenges faced by diverse populations.
Helplines and Crisis Support
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a HelpLine available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, accessible by calling 800-950-6264 or texting "NAMI" to 62640. For immediate crisis support, individuals can call or text 988, a 24/7 service providing assistance to those in need.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 988, while the Trevor Project crisis line can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. For text-based assistance, the Crisis Text Line is available by texting "HOME" to 741-741.
Impact on Students and Access Disparities
Recent data indicates that one in three high school students report feeling hopeless, and 16% of youths aged 5-17 have experienced poor mental health. Among college students, 35% have considered leaving school, with 43% of these students citing mental health as the reason and 53% attributing their decision to emotional stress.
Poor mental health is known to impact student success, affecting both completion rates and workforce outcomes. Disparities in access to mental health services are prevalent, with students from low-income backgrounds and students of color facing additional challenges. The shortage of diverse mental health professionals further exacerbates these disparities, leaving LGBTQIA+ students and student parents with insufficient support.
Efforts and Initiatives in Mental Health Support
Colorado is among the states prioritizing mental health resources, focusing on prevention and self-care. There is an emphasis on providing culturally competent services to ensure that all individuals have access to the support they need. Modern campuses are increasingly acting as social service hubs, offering not only academic but also emotional support to students.
Common issues affecting students include self-esteem challenges, social isolation, and trauma, all of which can lead to campus unrest and further stress. Faculty members are encouraged to act as first responders, offering initial support and guidance to students in distress.
Available Services and Community Resources
Several organizations offer a variety of mental health services. BJC Behavioral Health provides support for both children and adults and can be reached at 314-747-7491 or 877-729-4004. The Hopewell Center is available at 314-531-1770, and the Independence Center at 314-533-4163. Additional crisis support is available through a hotline at 314-469-0620.
NAMI St. Louis offers assistance at 314-962-4670, while Places for People can be contacted at 314-535-5600, with a crisis hotline at 1-800-811-4760. Provident Behavioral Health is available at 314-533-8200, providing self-help groups, education opportunities, referral services, as well as therapy for children, families, adults, couples, and groups.
The growing recognition of mental health challenges and the efforts to provide support highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive services. As communities and institutions continue to address these needs, the goal remains to ensure that all individuals have the resources necessary to manage their mental health effectively.