About one in five young people will experience a mental health challenge by the time they reach adulthood. In New York City, where a mental health crisis in schools has been recognized citywide, a growing network of free and low-cost services has been built specifically for children and teenagers. This guide explains what’s available for kids and teens in NYC, how parents can access services, and what to do when a young person is in crisis.
School-Based Mental Health Services
For most NYC children and teens, the closest point of mental health contact is inside their school. NYC public schools provide several layers of mental health support:
Guidance Counselors and Social Workers
Every NYC public school is required to have guidance counselors and social workers on staff. They provide individual counseling, crisis response, referrals to community services, and help navigating accommodations (IEPs, 504 plans) for students with mental health needs. Contact your child’s school directly to request an appointment with the guidance counselor or school social worker.
School-Based Mental Health Clinics (Article 31 Clinics in Schools)
NYC now operates school-based mental health clinics inside many public schools, primarily in high-need communities in the South Bronx, Central Brooklyn, and expanding to other neighborhoods. These are licensed Article 31 clinics that provide individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management — inside the school building, during school hours. Services are free and confidential.
- Ask your child’s school principal or guidance counselor if a clinic operates in the building
- NYC Health + Hospitals operates many of these school-based clinics — find information at nychealthandhospitals.org
Mental Health Continuum
The Mental Health Continuum is a city initiative embedding mental health clinics and referral pathways into schools. Schools in the program have fast-track referrals to outpatient mental health services, ensuring students can access care quickly when needs are identified.
Community-Based Child and Teen Mental Health Services
NYC Health + Hospitals Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
H+H provides outpatient mental health services for children and adolescents on a sliding-fee scale at locations across all five boroughs. Services include individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. No patient is turned away due to inability to pay.
- H+H Appointment Line: 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692)
- Accepts Medicaid, uninsured on sliding scale, all other insurance
NYC Well
NYC Well connects children and teens (and their parents) to mental health services citywide. Available 24/7 at 1-888-NYC-WELL. Counselors can provide immediate support and connect to youth-specific services in your neighborhood.
Community Mental Health Centers
Many NYC community mental health centers operate child and adolescent programs. Contact NYC Well for referrals to centers in your neighborhood that specifically serve young people.
Crisis Resources for Young People
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — available 24/7, trained counselors for all ages
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — text-based crisis support for young people who prefer not to call
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 | text START to 678-678 — crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth
- NYC Well: 1-888-NYC-WELL — can dispatch mobile crisis teams to young people in crisis
- Teen Line: 1-800-852-8336 — peer-to-peer support line staffed by trained teen volunteers (evenings)
Special Education and Mental Health
Children with mental health conditions may be eligible for special education services including counseling, therapeutic support, and modified educational environments through the NYC Department of Education’s Committees on Special Education (CSE). If your child’s mental health condition affects their ability to access education, request a CSE evaluation. The school must evaluate within 60 days of consent and cannot charge for the evaluation.
See our special education rights guide for the full process.
Parent and Family Support
- NAMI NYC Family Support Groups: (212) 684-3264 | naminycmetro.org — free peer support groups for family members of people with mental illness
- NAMI Family-to-Family: Free 8-session education course for families of adults and young people with mental illness
- Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (annual): NYC events and resources — check nyc.gov/health for schedule
- NYC Parent Support Programs: Many community organizations offer parenting support for families navigating children’s mental health — ask NYC Well for referrals
Frequently Asked Questions
My child’s school says they can’t provide therapy. What can I do?
Ask specifically about the school’s counseling staff and whether a school-based mental health clinic operates in the building. If mental health services aren’t available at school, contact NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL for referrals to community-based services near your home or school. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, counseling may be a required related service — review the plan and contact your special education coordinator.
Can I get mental health services for my teen without them finding out?
In New York, minors 16 and older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent. Minors of any age can consent to emergency mental health services. If you are a teen seeking confidential services, you can call NYC Well yourself — counselors will respect your privacy.
My teen is refusing mental health help. What can I do as a parent?
Call NYC Well (1-888-NYC-WELL) for guidance on supporting a resistant young person. NAMI NYC at (212) 684-3264 offers family support programs specifically for parents in this situation. Often, addressing practical barriers (stigma, time, logistics) and involving a trusted adult in the child’s life can help a reluctant teen engage with services.
What do I do if my child is in a mental health crisis at school?
Contact the school immediately — the guidance counselor or school social worker should be the first call. If the situation is an immediate safety emergency, ask the school to call 911 or contact a mobile crisis team through NYC Well. After the crisis, request a meeting with the school to develop a safety plan and connect to ongoing support services.
