Guest Blog Post: allcove San Mateo’s Support for Youth Mental Health
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have faced unprecedented challenges, from academic pressures and social issues to family dynamics and financial instability. allcove San Mateo is dedicated to addressing these mental health crises by providing a safe, supportive environment for youth and young adults aged 12-25. Offering a range of free services, including mental health support, substance use counseling, and educational assistance, allcove San Mateo is a beacon of hope, guided by the insights and needs of the youth it serves. Join us in creating a community where young people can thrive, connect, and find the support they need.
More and more youth and young adults are struggling to manage their feelings and thoughts during challenging times. Since the COVID lockdowns, which significantly impacted young people, mental health professionals have observed a rise in issues related to anxiety, substance cravings, loneliness, future concerns, financial instability, depression, suicidality, self-harm impulses, and difficulties in social connection. San Mateo County has identified loneliness as an epidemic that can lead to catastrophic consequences. allcove San Mateo is here to help address these challenges.
Academic pressure, social issues—including bullying—and family dynamics, such as stress at home, financial instability, and abuse, are all contributing factors to the current mental health crisis among young people in our country. According to the CDC, in 2024, various reported mental health issues among youth and young adults include:
· 20.17% of youth ages 12–17 reported experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the past year, with 15% experiencing a severely impairing episode that affected their functioning at home, school, or work.
· 58.5% of teenagers reported always or usually receiving the social and emotional support they needed, with boys more likely than girls to receive support, and those ages 12–14 more likely than those ages 15–17.
· 9.8% of children have ADHD, 9.4% have anxiety, and 8.9% have behavioral problems.
Children with depression are also more likely to experience anxiety and behavioral issues, and vice versa.
The challenges are significant, but there is hope and help available.
At allcove San Mateo, we serve youth and young adults ages 12-25 who are seeking support, all free of charge. We provide a range of services, including mental health (including psychiatry), substance use support, peer and family support, physical health services, and educational and employment assistance. Our environment is safe and respectful; youth and young adults can freely use our space, attend events, and choose the services they wish to receive. Parents and primary caregivers are welcome to wait in area specifically designated for their use while their young person is in session, and anyone over the age of 12 can consent to their own services at allcove San Mateo. allcove San Mateo is open Monday through Friday from 1 PM to 7 PM.
Everything we do at allcove San Mateo is guided by our Youth Advisory Group (YAG), a team of motivated and passionate youth and young adults who explore programming options, outreach opportunities, and how to best inform the community about our services. The YAG has contributed to our layout, fabric choices, furniture selection, colors, textures, and even the building we occupy. We have created a space for and by youth, informed by their insights, always keeping their best interests at the forefront of our mission.
Our staff come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, equipped to help youth navigate their challenges. Our Peer Support Specialists, who have personal lived experience, understand where young people are coming from and can offer empathetic support. They are available for conversation, games, movie nights, or simply to provide companionship. Our Supported Education and Employment Specialist assists with job and school applications, interview practice, resume building, and exploring future options. Our Substance Use Counselor offers a non-judgmental ear and options to help reduce or eliminate the risks associated with substance use.
The pressures facing youth and young adults today are often unimaginable to many adults. Many young people bear responsibilities that exceed those of some adults, and in the Bay Area, these challenges can be intensified by financial strain, academic demands, peer pressure, social media influence, immigration status, and identity issues, among others. allcove San Mateo serves as a safe harbor during both stormy and calm times. We provide various types of support for youth and young adults and offer a comfortable and secure space for homework, socializing, movie watching, gaming, charging devices, or simply hanging out.
Whether you’re seeking mental health services, educational assistance, or just a safe space to connect with others, we’re here for you.
Explore allcove San Mateo.
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