Free mental health support For Teens in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is partnering with Alliance Health and Somethings to expand support for teen mental health. Somethings is a mental health platform that connects teens and young adults with Certified Peer Specialist Mentors and can provide referrals to licensed therapists. If you’re a teen or know a teen who needs mental health support, visit somethings.com/northcarolina to get connected to support. Services are available via text and video calls after school from 3:00pm – 11:00pm and on weekends. 

“It is crucial to prioritize youth and teen mental health, particularly as our state responds to, and recovers from, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Through our partnership with Somethings, we are expanding access to a virtual mental health resource for young people, so they always know that no matter what they are feeling, help is available.” 

This partnership between NCDHHS and Somethings is a critical step toward addressing this urgent need and ensuring that mental health support is within reach for every young person in North Carolina. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina has been working tirelessly to ensure that impacted residents receive the mental health support they need. An executive order from Governor Roy Cooper has allowed telehealth providers from outside the state to serve North Carolina residents. Over 200 mental health providers have stepped forward to offer their services at no cost to those affected by the storm. 

“Youth across the state have been deeply affected by the recent hurricanes, and the mental health toll from these natural disasters is significant,” said Sean Schreiber, EVP/COO of Alliance Health. “Alliance is excited to partner with NCDHHS and Somethings to bring critical mental health support to teens across the state, helping to address some of the lasting impacts of the storm.”

Somethings is committed to making sure mental health services are available to teens as they navigate life in the aftermath of the catastrophic damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. Mental health challenges often emerge 3-6 months after a natural disaster, as the immediate crisis subsides, and people begin to rebuild their lives. As many mental health providers mobilize to support North Carolina communities, Somethings aims to ensure that teenagers are not left behind. 

“There are lasting effects that the trauma of a natural disaster can have on children and teens,” shared Somethings CEO Patrick Gilligan. “We want to ensure that as many at-risk youth across the state as possible have access to engaging and effective mental health treatment, helping to minimize the long-term psychological impact of such a significant event.” 

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of help or someone to talk to, people can always call or text 988 to speak with a trained mental health professional. This service is confidential, free, and available to anyone 24/7/365. 

About Somethings 

Somethings is connects teens and young adults with Certified Peer Specialist Mentors to help every teen thrive. Each teen is connected with a Mentor who’s overcome what they are going through and shares common interests. Available after school and on weekends via text and video calls, Mentors provide a relatable, low-pressure way to connect.

About NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS) 

DMHDDSUS builds systems, services, and supports that improve the well-being of all North Carolinians, with a focus on mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injuries. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health and human related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The Department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders, advocacy groups, local, state and federal entities and many other stakeholders to make this happen. Learn More About the Department 

About Alliance Health Alliance Health is a public Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME-MCO) that manages mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury services and supports in 7 counties in North Carolina.