🚨 If you're in crisis, call or text 988 · Text HOME to 741741 · LGBTQ+: 1-866-488-7386 See all resources →
Created by Teens, For Teens

You Are
Not Alone

We believe in your strength! Teen Hope provides practical, reliable tools — from coping skills to crisis connections — so you can navigate the hard stuff and feel like yourself again.

Explore Tools Get Help Now
1 in 5teens has a mental health condition
11 yrsavg delay before getting help
988free crisis line, call or text

WELCOME TO TEEN HOPE

Teen Hope is a judgment-free zone where we talk about anxiety, depression, identity, and stress openly and honestly. You are not broken. You are not alone. You deserve support.

Our Story
Diverse group of teens sitting together, smiling and supporting each other
How Are You Feeling?

Check In With Yourself

Pick the emoji that matches your mood right now. We'll suggest tools to help you.

Box Breathing

A quick technique to calm your nervous system in 2 minutes.

Ready

Breathe in 4s → Hold 4s → Out 4s → Hold 4s

The Reality

Why Teen Hope Exists

1 in 5

Young people (ages 13–18) live with a mental health condition, yet many go undiagnosed

11 Years

The average delay between onset of symptoms and receiving mental health treatment

<10%

Of Black youth who need mental health support actually receive it from a specialist

988

Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 — call or text, no judgment ever

What We Offer

Tools Built For You

Evidence-based resources curated by teens who've been there.

Coping Skills Library

Browse breathing exercises, grounding techniques, journaling prompts, and more — organized by what you're going through.

Explore Tools

Mental Health Apps

Curated apps for anxiety, depression, sleep, mindfulness, and mood tracking — many are free or low-cost.

See Apps

Crisis Connections

Real hotlines, text lines, and chat services — staffed by real people who understand. Free, confidential, available 24/7.

Get Help Now
Latest Posts

From the Blog

All Posts
🧠
OCD

Understanding OCD: More Than Being Neat

When people hear OCD, they often picture someone who loves a perfectly organized room. But OCD is so much more...

RF
Ryan Farah·Dec 8, 2025·2 min read
😰
Anxiety

Understanding Teen Anxiety: What It Looks Like & Why It's Rising

Teenagers today are growing up in a fast-paced, high-pressure world. Between academic expectations and social challenges...

RF
Ryan Farah·Nov 20, 2025·3 min read
💙
Depression

The Hidden Weight: How Peer Pressure Contributes to Depression

This blog explores how peer and social pressure can fuel the development or worsening of depression among young people...

RF
Ryan Farah·Jul 21, 2025·3 min read

If You're in Crisis Right Now

You don't have to go through this alone. Real people are available 24/7, for free, without judgment.

Call or Text
988 Lifeline
Text HOME to
741741
LGBTQ+ Youth
Trevor Project

See all crisis resources →

Teen Hope Blog

Real Talk About Mental Health

Evidence-based articles written for teens, by teens. New post drops every week.

Filter:

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Resources

Your Toolkit for Mental Wellness

Practical, evidence-based tools curated by and for teens.

Diverse teens supporting each other
Coping Skills

Tools That Actually Help

Evidence-based techniques organized by what you're dealing with.

Calm mountain lake

🫁 Breathing Techniques

Control your breath, control your nervous system. Try one right now.

📦
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)

Regulates your nervous system in minutes. Used by Navy SEALs to manage acute stress.

  1. Breathe IN slowly for 4 seconds
  2. HOLD your breath for 4 seconds
  3. Breathe OUT slowly for 4 seconds
  4. HOLD for 4 seconds — repeat 4 times
🌬️
4-7-8 Breathing

Especially effective for falling asleep or calming down after an anxiety spike.

  1. Exhale completely through your mouth
  2. Breathe IN through your nose for 4 counts
  3. HOLD for 7 counts
  4. Exhale through your mouth for 8 counts — repeat 3–4 times
🌊
Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

Activates your parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest and digest" mode.

  1. Lie down or sit comfortably. Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
  2. Breathe in through your nose — belly hand should rise, chest stays still
  3. Exhale through pursed lips, gently pressing your belly in
  4. Repeat for 5–10 minutes
Hands touching forest ground

🌿 Grounding Techniques

When your mind spirals, your senses bring you back.

🖐️
5-4-3-2-1 Technique

Brings you back to the present moment. Great for panic attacks and dissociation.

  1. Name 5 things you can SEE
  2. Name 4 things you can TOUCH
  3. Name 3 things you can HEAR
  4. Name 2 things you can SMELL
  5. Name 1 thing you can TASTE
🧊
Cold Water Grounding

A simple physical technique that interrupts overwhelming emotions instantly.

  1. Run cold water over your wrists and hands
  2. Alternatively, hold ice cubes in your palms
  3. Focus entirely on the sensation of the cold
  4. Breathe steadily for 1–2 minutes
🔢
Mental Grounding: Categories

Occupies your mind and breaks a spiral. Can be done anywhere.

  1. Pick a category: animals, countries, movies, songs
  2. Name as many items as you can in that category
  3. If you finish one, switch to another
  4. Try doing it alphabetically for extra focus
Teen writing in a journal

📓 Journaling

Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper is one of the most powerful tools in mental health.

📝
Emotion Dump

No format, no rules. Write exactly what you're feeling without editing yourself.

"Right now I feel _____ because _____ and what I really need is _____."

🙏
Gratitude Journal

Research shows writing 3 specific things you're grateful for daily rewires your brain toward positivity.

  1. Write 3 specific things you're grateful for today
  2. Be specific — not "my family" but "my mom made me soup when I was sick"
  3. Write WHY you're grateful for each one
🔄
Thought Record (CBT Tool)

Challenges negative automatic thoughts. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

  1. Write the situation that triggered the feeling
  2. Write the automatic thought (e.g., "I'm a failure")
  3. Rate how much you believe it (0–100%)
  4. Write evidence FOR and AGAINST the thought
  5. Write a balanced thought. Re-rate your belief.
Young person sitting peacefully by a window

😰 Anxiety Coping Skills

These are proven strategies you can use starting today.

⏱️
Worry Time

Schedule 15 minutes a day for worrying. When anxious thoughts come outside that window, write them down and save them for "worry time." This breaks the all-day anxiety cycle.

🎯
Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Releases the physical tension that always accompanies anxiety.

  1. Start at your feet — tense the muscles for 5 seconds
  2. Release for 30 seconds and notice the difference
  3. Work your way up: calves, thighs, stomach, hands, arms, shoulders, face
  4. End with 3 deep breaths
📱
Social Media Detox

Research links heavy social media use to higher anxiety in teens.

  1. Set app limits on your phone (1–2 hrs max)
  2. No social media in the first hour after waking
  3. No screens 1 hour before bed
  4. Delete apps that consistently make you feel worse
Teen looking hopefully out a window

💙 Depression Skills

Depression isn't a character flaw — it's a medical condition. These skills are your toolbox for the hard days.

🌅
Behavioral Activation

Depression kills motivation. Behavioral activation reverses this by doing activities first and letting feelings follow.

  1. List 5 activities that used to bring you joy
  2. Schedule one each day — even just 10 minutes
  3. Do it regardless of motivation
  4. Notice even tiny shifts in mood
🏃
Exercise as Medicine

Studies show even 20–30 minutes of walking reduces depression symptoms as effectively as medication for mild depression.

  1. Start with 10 minutes of walking — that's it
  2. Do it at the same time each day to build habit
  3. Outside is best (sunlight + nature both help)
  4. Add music or a podcast to make it enjoyable
💬
Connection Planning

Isolation worsens depression. Even brief social contact interrupts the downward spiral.

  1. Text one person per day — even just a meme or GIF
  2. Commit to one in-person interaction per week
  3. Join one club, group, or activity you're curious about
Teen student resting peacefully at a desk

😤 Stress Management

Stress is inevitable. Chronic stress isn't. These skills help you reset.

📋
Brain Dump + Prioritize

Reduces overwhelm by getting everything out of your head and onto paper.

  1. Write down EVERYTHING stressing you — no filter
  2. Circle the 3 most urgent items
  3. Cross off anything you can't control right now
  4. Pick ONE thing to start with. Just one.
🚫
Learning to Say No

Overcommitment is a leading cause of teen burnout. Saying no is a skill, not a character flaw.

  1. Pause before saying yes to anything new
  2. Ask: "Does this align with my priorities right now?"
  3. Practice: "I can't take that on right now, but thank you."
  4. Remember: every yes is a no to something else
😴
Sleep Hygiene

Sleep deprivation amplifies every mental health challenge. Teens need 8–10 hours.

  1. Same bedtime every night (even weekends) — within 1 hour
  2. No screens 1 hour before bed
  3. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet
  4. Avoid caffeine after 2pm
Teens supporting each other

🆘 DBT Crisis Survival Skills

For moments when you can't change the situation — but you can get through it.

What Are Distress Tolerance Skills?

These skills come from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. They are designed for moments when you cannot change the situation right now but need to get through it without making things worse.

TIPP — Change Your Body Chemistry Fast
🌡️

TIPP: Temperature

Cold water activates the dive reflex, rapidly slowing heart rate and reducing emotional intensity.

  1. Fill a bowl with cold water (add ice if possible)
  2. Take a deep breath, hold it
  3. Submerge your face for 30–60 seconds
  4. Alternatively: hold an ice pack to your face or wrists
  5. Repeat until your body feels calmer
🏃

TIPP: Intense Exercise

Brief intense physical activity burns off emotional adrenaline and shifts your body out of crisis mode.

  1. Do 1–2 minutes of intense movement: jumping jacks, sprinting, push-ups
  2. Match the intensity to how activated you feel
  3. Notice how your body feels different after
😮‍💨

TIPP: Paced Breathing

Slowing your exhale activates your parasympathetic nervous system.

  1. Inhale for 4–5 counts
  2. Exhale slowly for 6–8 counts (longer than the inhale)
  3. The longer exhale is the key — it signals safety to your nervous system
  4. Repeat 5–10 times
STOP — Don't Act on Impulse
🛑

STOP Skill

When you feel the urge to act impulsively in a crisis, the STOP skill creates a pause.

  1. S — Stop. Don't move a muscle. Freeze.
  2. T — Take a step back. Physically move away from the situation if possible.
  3. O — Observe. What's happening? What am I thinking? What am I feeling?
  4. P — Proceed mindfully. What would my wisest self do right now?
Self-Soothe — Comfort Through Your Five Senses
👀

Self-Soothe: Vision

Use beautiful or calming visual input to activate your soothing system.

  1. Go outside and notice nature — sky, trees, movement
  2. Look at photos or art that bring you peace
  3. Light a candle and watch the flame
👂

Self-Soothe: Hearing

Sound has direct access to your nervous system. Use it intentionally.

  1. Listen to music that calms rather than amplifies your current mood
  2. Listen to rain, ocean, or nature sounds
  3. Hum, sing, or listen to someone's voice you love
✋

Self-Soothe: Touch

Physical touch activates the release of oxytocin and reduces cortisol.

  1. Hold something soft: a stuffed animal, a warm blanket, a pet
  2. Take a warm bath or shower
  3. Wrap yourself in a weighted blanket
🍵

Self-Soothe: Taste

Mindful eating or drinking can ground you in the present moment.

  1. Make a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate and drink it slowly
  2. Eat something comforting — notice flavors, textures, temperature
  3. The goal is mindful, soothing enjoyment
IMPROVE the Moment
🖼️

IMPROVE: Imagery

Use mental imagery to escape to a safer, calmer place in your mind.

  1. Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel completely safe
  2. Make it vivid: what do you see, hear, smell, feel?
  3. Stay in that mental space for 5–10 minutes
💪

IMPROVE: Encouragement

Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a best friend going through a crisis.

  1. "This is incredibly hard, and I'm handling it."
  2. "I have gotten through hard things before."
  3. "This feeling will not last forever."
  4. "I just have to get through this moment."
Mental Health Apps

Apps That Support Your Mental Wellness

⚠️ Important Note: These apps are tools to support mental wellness — they are not a replacement for professional therapy. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
🧘
Headspace
Headspace Inc.
★★★★★ 4.9 · 1M+ reviews

Guided meditations, sleep casts, focus music, and mindfulness exercises. One of the most widely recommended apps by therapists for beginners.

MeditationSleepFocus
🌙
Calm
Calm.com
★★★★★ 4.8 · 1.5M+ reviews

Sleep stories, breathing programs, masterclasses from top therapists. The "Teen" section is specifically for ages 13–17.

Sleep StoriesBreathingAnxietyTeens
🤖
Woebot
Woebot Health
★★★★☆ 4.7 · 100K+ reviews

An AI-powered chatbot that delivers CBT techniques through daily check-ins. Research-backed and developed at Stanford.

CBTDepressionAnxiety
✓ Free
📊
Daylio
Habiticca s.r.o.
★★★★★ 4.8 · 500K+ reviews

A micro-diary and mood tracker that requires no writing — just tap your mood and activities. Shows patterns over time.

Mood TrackingJournalingPatterns
✓ Free basic
🔄
MindShift CBT
Anxiety Canada
★★★★★ 4.7 · Clinically validated

Built specifically for teens and young adults with anxiety. Uses CBT strategies. Developed by mental health professionals and completely free.

CBTAnxietyTeensFree
✓ 100% Free
🆘
notOK App
Hannah & Charlie Lucas
★★★★★ Created by a teen

Press a button and it instantly alerts up to 5 trusted contacts that you need help with your GPS location. Created by a 15-year-old. Simple and potentially life-saving.

CrisisSafetyTeen-created
✓ Free
🔔
Insight Timer
Insight Network Inc.
★★★★★ 4.9 · 100K+ free meditations

The largest free library of guided meditations — over 100,000. Includes teen-specific meditations, sleep music, and anxiety courses.

MeditationSleepMassive Library
✓ Mostly Free
☀️
Sanvello
Sanvello Health Inc.
★★★★☆ 4.5 · Peer community

Combines mood tracking, CBT tools, peer community, and on-demand therapy. Many insurance plans cover the premium version at no cost.

AnxietyDepressionInsurance Covered
✓ Free basic
🔰
My3 – Safety Planning
Forefront / AFSP
★★★★☆ Evidence-based

Build a personal safety plan and instantly connect with your 3 trusted support people. Recommended by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Safety PlanCrisisAFSP Backed
✓ Free
Teens watching and learning together
Videos

Watch & Learn

Teens Open Up About Social Media's Impact
Watch on YouTube
Social Media

Teens Open Up About Social Media's Impact

Real teens share how social media affects their mental health and self-image.
Teens Speak Openly About Mental Health
Watch on YouTube
Mental Health

Teens Speak Openly About Mental Health Struggles

For Mental Health Month, teens share their real experiences.
Psychologist Lisa Damour on Teen Mental Health
Watch on YouTube
Expert Talk

Psychologist Lisa Damour on Teen Mental Health

Expert psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour breaks down the teen mental health crisis.
Mental Health Problems Exacerbated by COVID
Watch on YouTube
Awareness

Mental Health Problems Exacerbated by COVID

Teens describe how the pandemic amplified pre-existing struggles.
Teens Under Pressure
Watch on YouTube
Social Media

Teens Under Pressure: Mental Health & Social Media

An in-depth look at the pressure teens navigate daily.
Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Watch on YouTube
Research

Social Media and Youth Mental Health

What the research actually says about social media's effects on young people.
Interviews

Real Conversations About Mental Health

In-depth interviews with mental health professionals and teen advocates.

Interview with Dr. Jillian Larson
Watch on YouTube
Interview

Interview with Dr. Jillian Larson

A candid conversation exploring teen mental health, how to recognize when everyday stress becomes something more, and practical steps toward healing.
Interview with Dr. Morgan Matzke
Watch on YouTube
Interview

Interview with Dr. Morgan Matzke

An in-depth discussion on recognizing signs of mental health struggles, building resilience, and practical tools that make a real difference.
Find a Therapist

Getting Professional Help

Taking that first step is the hardest part. Here's how to find a therapist who's right for you.

Psychology Today Finder

Search therapists by ZIP code, insurance, specialty, and more. Filter for adolescent specialists.

Find a Therapist

Open Path Collective

Therapy sessions at $30–$80 per session for low-income individuals. Makes professional help genuinely affordable.

Affordable Therapy

School Counselors

Your school counselor is a free, immediate resource. They can provide support and refer you to outside professionals.

More Resources

BetterHelp for Teens

Online therapy with licensed counselors — text, video, or phone. Financial aid available for teens who qualify.

Learn More

Community Mental Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers offer sliding-scale mental health services — some are free for teens without insurance.

Find a Center

Support Groups

Peer support groups for depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and more. Many are free and meet virtually.

Find a Group
Local Resources

Bay Area Local Therapy Resources

Culturally responsive, affordable, and teen-focused mental health resources in the San Francisco Bay Area.

LGBTQ+ Community Centers

San Mateo County Pride Center

San Mateo

The first LGBTQ+ community center on the Peninsula — offering clinical therapy, case management, and peer support groups.

sanmateopride.org

Outlet (Adolescent Counseling Services)

Redwood City

A prominent program for LGBTQ+ youth ages 10–25 on the Peninsula. Focus on empowerment through leadership and clinical services.

acs-teens.org/outlet

CoastPride

Half Moon Bay

Serving coastal Peninsula communities with LGBTQ+ support, resources, and community connection for youth and families.

coastpride.org

Culturally Responsive Services

El Centro de Libertad

Redwood City

A culturally responsive, bilingual (Spanish/English) mental health clinic serving Latino/Latinx youth and families in San Mateo County.

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)

San Jose

Culturally competent mental health and social services for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

aaci.org

Arab Cultural and Community Center (ACCC)

San Francisco

Mental health and social services for the Arab American community with bilingual Arabic-English support.

arabculturalcenter.org

Teen & Youth-Specific Services

Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS)

San Mateo County

Dedicated exclusively to teens ages 10–25. Provides school-based and community counseling, crisis support, and prevention programs.

acs-teens.org

StarVista

San Mateo County

Mental health, housing, and support services to youth and adults including the Crisis Center and youth transitional housing.

star-vista.org

San Mateo County Behavioral Health

San Mateo County

Sliding scale services regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Access Line: 1-800-686-0101

smchealth.org/bhrs

🆘 Immediate Crisis Support

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to one of these 24/7 helplines. Free, confidential, and there to support you.

Call/Text 988 Text HOME → 741741 Trevor Project Emergency: 911
All Crisis Lines

Real People, Real Support

Every number below connects you with a real, trained person — for free, 24/7, without judgment.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline24/7

A national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 988 Text 988
988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line24/7

Connect with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 mental health support via text message. No voice call required.

Text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)24/7

The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25.

1-866-488-7386 Chat Online
thetrevorproject.org
Teen Line6–10 PM PT

When you call or text Teen Line, another teen will be there to listen and help. Peer-to-peer support — no issue is too big or too small.

1-800-TLC-TEEN Text TEEN to 839863
teenline.org
Trans Lifeline24/7

A peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Staffed entirely by transgender individuals.

1-877-565-8860
translifeline.org
California Youth Crisis Line (CYCL)24/7

A 24/7 statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12–24) and families in crisis.

1-800-843-5200
CalHOPE24/7

Safe, secure, and culturally sensitive emotional support for all Californians. Available in multiple languages.

1-833-317-4673 Chat Online
calhope.dhcs.ca.gov
NAMI California HelplineM–F 7AM–3PM PT

NAMI offers information, referrals, and support for mental health conditions. Their Youth Mental Health Guide is available on their website.

1-800-950-NAMI Text NAMI to 741741
namica.org
Your Life Your Voice24/7

A 24/7 support community for teens with resources on anxiety, depression, self-injury, and more. Call, chat, text, or email.

Chat Online
yourlifeyourvoice.org
NEDA Eating Disorders HelplineM–F, limited hrs

National Eating Disorders Association helpline. Available Monday–Thursday 6AM–6PM PT, Friday 6AM–2PM PT.

1-800-931-2237 Text NEDA to 741741
nationaleatingdisorders.org
Know the Signs

Warning Signs to Watch For

In yourself or a friend — knowing the signs could save a life.

Signs Someone Needs Help Now

  • Talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others
  • Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye
  • Sudden calmness after a period of severe depression
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
  • Researching methods of self-harm online
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Extreme mood swings or uncharacteristic behavior
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

How to Help a Friend

  • Ask directly: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
  • Listen without judging — don't try to fix, just hear them
  • Take it seriously — never promise to keep it secret
  • Get an adult involved — a parent, counselor, or teacher
  • Call or text 988 together if they're in crisis
  • Stay with them until help arrives
  • Follow up — check in with them in the days after
  • Take care of yourself too — it's okay to ask for support
Safety Planning

Your Personal Safety Plan

A safety plan is a personalized list of steps you can take when you feel a crisis coming.

1

Recognize Your Warning Signs

Identify thoughts, images, moods, or behaviors that signal a crisis is building. Write them down.

2

Internal Coping Strategies

List things you can do alone to distract yourself: go for a walk, listen to music, draw, write.

3

People & Distractions

Name people and social settings that can take your mind off the crisis without discussing it.

4

People You Trust

List people you can tell that you're in crisis. Include their phone numbers. Have at least 3.

5

Professionals & Agencies

List your therapist, doctor, and crisis lines (988, 741741) with contact info.

6

Make Your Environment Safer

Reduce access to things that could be used for self-harm. Ask someone you trust to help.

About Us

Our Story

Teen Hope was born from a simple belief: every young person deserves access to mental health support, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Teens supporting each other
2024Founded
Where We Started

Where Do We Draw the Line?

Life throws a lot at us. We've all had difficult days, felt overwhelmed by school, or dealt with intense stressors. But how do we know when normal stress crosses the line and becomes a serious mental health condition requiring professional support?

The truth is, it can be hard to tell. We started Teen Hope to make that distinction clearer and to serve as a trustworthy guide. Our goal is to connect you with the resources and evidence-based information you need to understand what you're feeling and take action toward healing.

We believe that mental health support shouldn't be a privilege — it should be a right for every young person.

Find Your Tools
The Statistics That Sparked This Project

This Isn't Just Numbers

These are proof of a critical, urgent need — and proof that we can't wait any longer.

1 in 5

Young people (ages 13–18) live with a mental health condition, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated.

11 Years

The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment. We can't afford to wait that long.

<10%

Of Black youth who need mental health support actually receive care from a specialist — this is also an equity crisis.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Breaking the Stigma

Teen Hope is a judgment-free zone where we talk about anxiety, depression, identity, and stress openly and honestly. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Equity & Accessibility

Every teenager, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or background, can find and use effective support here. We connect you with free and low-cost resources that understand your unique experience.

Culturally Responsive Care

We seek out and highlight resources that understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by different racial and ethnic groups, ensuring the advice we offer is relevant for everyone.

Our Journey

How Teen Hope Grew

2024

The Idea Takes Root

Frustrated by the lack of teen-accessible mental health resources, Ryan Farah took action. He independently began researching, designing, and building Teen Hope from scratch, driven entirely by a desire to help his peers.

Jan

First Blog Posts Published

Ryan began publishing evidence-based articles on depression, suicide awareness, OCD, anxiety, and balanced living — written in a voice teens could actually relate to and trust.

Apr

Crisis Resources Added

We expanded beyond articles to become a comprehensive crisis hub, curating over 20 hotlines, text lines, and chat services — with a focus on equity and multilingual access.

Now

Growing Stronger

Today, Teen Hope features a weekly blog, curated mental health apps, video resources, a therapist directory, and interactive coping tools — all built by teens, for teens.

Who We Are

About Us

Teen Hope is a personal call-to-action initiative created by Ryan Farah — a teen who saw a gap in accessible mental health resources and decided to do something about it.

RF
Ryan Farah
Website Creator

Ryan Farah created Teen Hope as a personal initiative driven by his passion for mental health advocacy. He independently built this platform from the ground up — designing, writing, and launching every part of it — to give teens the accessible, trustworthy support they deserve.

TL
Trung Le
Website Advisor

Trung Le served as an advisor to Teen Hope, providing guidance and consultation to Ryan throughout the development of the website. His support and perspective helped shape the platform and strengthen it into the resource it is today.

OK -->
Oula Khoury, PhD
Clinical Psychologist & Contributor
Stanford MedicineSchool of Medicine

Dr. Oula Khoury is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. She contributed her clinical expertise to Teen Hope, helping ensure the site's content is accurate, evidence-based, and clinically sound.

Ready to Find Support?

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to — Teen Hope is here for you.

Explore Resources Crisis Help