SELF CARE

There are many books and websites out there that can give you ideas on how to handle stress, how to control anger, how to be mindful and self-compassionate. The sheer number of resources should reassure you that you aren't alone in whatever you are feeling or experiencing. However it's also important to talk to someone - a trusted adult family member or friend, a teacher or counselor, and to recognize when you might need some more professional help.

 

Books and Websites

• Two good resources for keeping your stress levels in check come from Healthy Kids and the American Psychological Association
• Mindfulness for Teens offers a great introduction to mindfulness and some easy and short guided meditations to download onto your phone.
• A series of books called "Instant Help for Teens" has some great, easy-to-follow advice and activites on dealing with everything from anger to anxiety to bullying to body image. Ask at the Somerville Library - they'll be able to request it for you if they don't have the one you want.

 

Counseling

• CHA Teen Health Center, based at Somerville High School offers physical and mental health support to Somerville Teens.
• The Guidance Center at Riverside offers a wide range of individual and family therapy services.
• Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services are a team of licensed mental health professionals, social workers and volunteers committed to keeping community mental health accessible to everybody.

 

Substance Abuse, Prevention/Addiction

• Somerville Office of Prevention, The SOP is committed to leading efforts around underage drinking and substance abuse in Somerville.
• Somerville Cares about Prevention, SCAP uses multiples strategies in multiple settings to prevent subtance abuse in Somerville.
• Teen Connection, attached to the Somerville High School provides a team of confidential health professionals to help you get back on track.
• CHA Outpatient Addiction Services offers support to patients aged 18 and up. If you are not a CHA client they may be able to help with referrals.
• Riverside Outpatient Addiction Services  offers support and referrals to people struggling with addiction, and their families.
• North Charles Addictions Treatment Programs offer a wide range of addiction treatment  and support in affiliation with Cambridge Hospital.

 

Shelters and Emergency Support

• Bridge Over Troubled Waters  provides comprehensive services for you ages 14 -24 in a positive and safe environment. Whether you are homeless or looking to take your GED we'll refer you to the services that will help you the most.
• Crisis Text Line  - Text HELLO to 741741
• BEST - Emergency Mental Health Services 1 800 981 HELP