COMMUNITY WELL-BEING & BELONGING
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! At the Y, we believe that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being and that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to feel healthy and fulfilled.
Wherever you are on your mental health journey, you belong here. Whether you’re moving your body, building community, or accessing mental health services, the Y is here to help you have more good days!
Quick Links
Every Interaction Matters: Transforming Mental Health Through Positive Youth Development (PYD)
Imagine a community where every kid knows someone believes in them.
That’s the vision behind Positive Youth Development (PYD).
Right now, many kids and teens are navigating stress and emotional challenges. What makes a difference is having trusted adults, positive experiences, and spaces where they feel safe being themselves.
At the Y, we’re intentionally building more of those moments into our programs — creating environments where young people can feel connected, build confidence, and grow.
Watch this video to see how Positive Youth Development is taking shape and why it matters for young people and families.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We’re excited to offer a variety of events and activities this month that promote well-being and belonging for all.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION & CONNECTION GROUPS
COPLEY-PRICE FAMILY YMCA
Join us this month for conversation and connection groups related to the journey of parenting and caring for young children. This is a welcoming space where parents, caregivers, staff, and community members can gather to share their experiences, build connections, and strengthen their overall well-being and resilience. View flyer
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, May 18
- Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Location: Copley-Price Family YMCA
- Topic: Self-Care through Meaningful Conversations
*Free dinner and child care will be provided
Questions? Contact Christie Yorty at cyorty@ymcasd.org.
more good days: YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PANEL
COPLEY-PRICE FAMILY YMCA
Do you have questions about mental health or therapy? This event offers an open and honest space for teens to come together and have real conversations about mental health. Learn what therapy is actually like, how to show up for a friend, and explore what a path into mental health careers can look like. View flyer
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 10:00am – 12:00am (Doors open at 10am | Panel starts at 10:30)
- Location: Copley-Price Family YMCA
Light breakfast and snacks provided!
HOW THE Y SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the many ways we support mental well-being across all ages, stages, and backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking therapy, physical activity, access to essential resources, or ways to support your workplace or family, the Y is here to walk alongside you.
Mental & Behavioral Health Services
Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At YMCA Youth & Family Services, we offer trauma-informed, compassionate care for children, teens, adults, and families.
Our team of licensed and pre-licensed clinicians support people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and more through:
- Individual, family, and group therapy
- Early childhood consultations and parent support
- Crisis intervention and intensive care
- Specialized services for foster youth and youth experiencing housing instability
- Workplace trainings to promote mental health and well-being
YMCA Mental Health Warmline
Need someone to talk to? The YMCA YFS Mental Health Warmline is a free, confidential, non-crisis phone service for individuals and caregivers across San Diego County. Whether you’re navigating stress, looking for guidance around parenting, or exploring mental health support, trained staff are here to listen, talk things through, and connect you with resources that fit your needs.
Call 1-866-937-9276, visit ymcasd.org/warmline or share this flyer with a friend!
Learn more about our services and how we can support you.
Physical Fitness
Movement is medicine. Regular exercise is proven to reduce stress, elevate mood, and improve sleep. Whether you’re hitting the gym, swimming laps, or joining a group fitness class, our YMCA facilities offer ways to care for both body and mind.
Positive Youth Development
Childhood experiences shape lifelong well-being. That’s why our youth programs, like after school programs and summer camps, focus on Positive Youth Development, creating safe, nurturing environments where children and teens can build relationships, practice life skills, and grow with confidence.
Essential Resources for YOUNG ADULTS & Families
Mental well-being is deeply connected to access to basic needs like housing, child care, nutritious food, and financial stability. Through our programs and partnerships, we connect families to these vital resources so they can feel more secure and supported.
MINDFULNESS RESOURCES
Check out our Y Be Well Podcast, where you’ll hear conversations in mindfulness designed to provide guidance on how to live a vibrant, fulfilling life relevant to our times.
Wherever you are on your mental health journey, the Y is here for you – with resources, relationships, and support you can count on.
Free 24/7 Mental Health Resources in the Community
San Diego County Mobile Crisis Response Team: Call 1-888-724-7240 for immediate in-person support to anyone, anywhere experiencing a mental health, drug, or alcohol-related crisis. MCRT dispatches behavioral health experts to emergency calls instead of law enforcement, when appropriate, with teams made up of clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists.
California Coalition for Youth’s Crisis Line for Teens: Call 1-800-843-5200 or access the online chat here to connect with a compassionate crisis counselor who can help navigate a range of issues including suicide, homelessness, assault, bullying, running away, and more.
MHA Screening: Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in distress – you don’t need to be suicidal to reach out. Call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors who speak Spanish are available at 1-888-628-9454.
988 Textline: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.
The Trevor Project Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth: The Trevor Lifeline has trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face and offer free and confidential support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Blog Series
Here are blogs written by our YMCA mental health and behavior team.
Download This
Bouncing Forward: Activities to Foster Resilience: We made this journal as a special way for you to think, write, and draw about your thoughts and feelings.
Buffering the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences: This is a guide to Protective Factors: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development, Concrete Supports in Times of Need, and Social & Emotional Competence of Children.
How to Self-CAAVE: COMPASSION. AWARENESS. ACCEPTANCE. VALIDATION. EMPOWERMENT. Applying these traits to ourselves can help you connect with yourself in a caring and nurturing way.
PRINT THIS: How to Grow New Friendships Reflection Guide: This reflection guide will help you build your awareness and prepare you to start building healthy circles of friendships.
Be Part of the Solution
Give
The Y has dozens of programs focused on improving our community’s mental health and overall well-being. If this is an issue that you care about, please consider donating to the cause. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Give today!
Partner
We are actively looking to partner with companies, foundations, and community philanthropists to support comprehensive programming designed to promote well-being for the spirit, mind, and body. Reach out here!
