What We’re Seeing
The youth mental health crisis is a growing national concern, and San Diego County is no exception. Many children and teens are facing growing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can affect their ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Too often, support is difficult to navigate, unaffordable, or only available once challenges have escalated. Families are left searching for care, and schools and youth-serving organizations are asked to respond without enough resources.
Addressing this requires coordinated action to expand access to prevention, early support, and treatment in the places young people already are.
THE Y'S ROLE
As one of the largest youth-serving organizations in the county, the Y supports the mental health and well-being of children and teens in the places they grow — in schools, after school programs, neighborhoods, and within families.
Our dedicated mental and behavioral health team provides services across both community and clinical settings. Guided by Positive Youth Development (PYD), we offer a continuum of support — from prevention and early intervention to counseling and more intensive care — responding early and adapting as needs evolve.
In partnership with schools, County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services, and community organizations, we’re helping build a more connected system of care so children, teens, and families can access the right support at the right time.
OUR ANNUAL IMPACT:
Data shown reflects FY 2024–2025
PROGRAMS & SERVICEs
- Positive Youth Development in YMCA Youth Programs
- Mental Health Warmline
- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- Outpatient Counseling
- School-Based Counseling
- Specialized Services for Foster Youth & Youth Experiencing Housing Instability
- Support Groups
- Trauma Treatment
- Crisis Intervention & Intensive Care
- Mental Health Trainings & Consultation Services
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings
- Clinical Supervision & Student Practicum Placements
OUR VISION FOR change
FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children and youth need access to prevention, early intervention, and treatment in the settings where they live, learn, and play. When additional care is needed, timely access to therapy, psychiatric support, and higher levels of care must be available regardless of insurance status or diagnosis.
FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
Families should be able to access support without financial strain or complicated systems. Services must be affordable, easy to navigate, and responsive, while also strengthening relationships and well-being at home.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
Adults who support young people should be equipped to foster safe environments, recognize early warning signs, and connect youth to care. Investment in mental health literacy, trauma-informed practices, and PYD strengthens consistency and outcomes.
FROM INSIGHTS TO IMPACT
We pair on-the-ground experience with meaningful data to share what’s working, elevate youth voice, and inform policies that strengthen the mental health continuum for children, youth, and families.
THE Y'S MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUUM OF CARE
Explore how the YMCA of San Diego County supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families through a connected range of prevention, early support, and care.
PYD TIPS TO SUPPORT KIDS THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
Guide caring conversations when big moments bring big feelings. Rooted in PYD, these tips offer parents and caregivers simple ways to help children feel safe, connected, and understood.
YFS IMPACT REPORT
(FY 2024-2025)
Learn how YMCA Youth & Family Services supports children, youth, and families to strengthen stability, connection, and opportunity.
Activities to Buffer the Effects of ACES
Explore activities that build protective factors and support children’s health and well-being.
CONNECTIONS RESEARCH PROJECT
Learn how YMCA Youth & Family Services’ federally funded program supporting foster youth informed and shaped the CAAVE approach.
IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Discover how relationships help young people heal from trauma and move beyond homelessness in this issue brief co-authored with the National Network for Youth.
NEURO-INFORMED SERVICES FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Learn how a neuro-informed approach supports youth experiencing homelessness and outlines strategies to help end homelessness.
EVALUATION OF THE CONNECTIONS 2020 PROGRAM
Developed with our partner, Harder+Company Community Research, this report shares insights from the Connections 2020 program and recommendations for supporting transition-aged youth through relational work readiness approaches.
Improving Healthy Connections in Under-Resourced Youth: A YMCA San Diego Mental Health Initiative
Read our research publication examining youth experiences at YFS through the Connections 2020 program, CAAVE, and Positive Youth Development approaches to understand how paraprofessional training supports stronger relationships and improved mental health outcomes.
