Call to Action: Teen Civics Ambassadors Talk Teen Mental Health
The New York Public Library’s Teen Civics Ambassadors program brings together 10th–12th grade students to help develop job readiness and leadership skills with a focus on library resources, civics, and peer-to-peer engagement. Ambassadors work at library branches across the city where they create fun, exciting events, and resources for other teens encouraging them to become active participants in their communities
This past summer Ambassadors worked in small groups to identify issues, research possible solutions, and then present to local officials. The Call to Action blog series is dedicated to sharing these projects by inviting readers to learn and be a part of the Ambassadors' desire to make change in their communities. For more information about making change, view this resource page about NYC voting and elections for teens.

Teen Civics Ambassadors sharing their presentation to teen mental health
As Teen Civics Ambassadors this summer, we chose to focus on the issue of teen mental health. As teens, we have firsthand experience of the profound impact mental health has on society. Young people already face hurdles in many difficult aspects of their lives and then can begin to crumble when experiencing mental health issues. Therefore, it is crucial that we bring attention to the issue of mental health and act as soon as possible in order to prevent the worst.
There are several root causes that we see contributing to this issue. First, there is a lack of resources. People often say that support is available and accessible. But the truth is that support is often expensive and out of reach. The stigma around mental health issues is also a huge concern, with many not fully understanding the issue or why it is important to seek treatment.
Like so many issues that our communities face, the people most affected are often the most marginalized. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 22% of children living in poverty have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Additionally, half of all youth in the child welfare system, and nearly 70% in the juvenile justice system, have a diagnosable mental health disorder, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

A collage of images from NYPL's Picture Collection depicting mental health
There is important work already being done to address teen mental health in our city. The New York City Council has allocated extra funding for mental health in the fiscal year 2025. This funding includes $250,000 for youth mental health peer support, and five million dollars to be invested in school-based mental health care. The city also provides NYC Teenspace, which is free online therapy for teens who live in the five boroughs.
In addition to government work, there are many non-profits working to make a change, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Active Minds. Both of these groups work on advocacy and education, as well as providing safe spaces for teens to open up.
However, there is still much work to be done. While these resources are a great start, many teens still face large amounts of stigma from their families or communities that prevent them from accessing these resources. For example, many Asian American families have less engagement in mental health resources due to stigma or perceived barriers, according to the NIH. These families often have questions about whether mental health treatment is right for their child.
Another aspect that is lacking from the current efforts is teen voice. Teens are the experts of their own lives and should be a part of creating and advocating for the resources in their communities.
Teens at a library program engaging in mental wellness activities
As a group, we would love to see a city-wide campaign aimed at parents and caregivers in multiple languages to reduce stigma about talking about mental health and receiving treatment, with the cooperation of teens. This campaign should be informed by teens and give them the resources to connect their own parents to mental health resources.
For the library, we recommend implementing more in-person teen wellness programs that are teen-led and that provide a safe space to vent, discuss concerns, and explore solutions.
And finally, for our fellow teens, we encourage students to take advantage of opportunities to be involved with and advocate for their community. The more that teens can make their voices heard, the better. Some examples of ways to get involved include joining your local community board, running for student government at your school, or applying for an internship that focuses on change.
Want to read books exploring topics like teen mental health? Check out these reads and explore this blog post on grief and bereavement as well as NYPL's Community Mental Health Project.
Anger is a Gift
by Mark Oshiro
Topics: School, grief, anxiety, police violence, community organizingBuzzing
by Samuel Sattin
Topics: OCD, friendship, self-discoveryIn My Feelings
by Vidal Annan Jr.
Topics: Teen mental health, emotionsWe Are All So Good at Smiling
by Amber McBride
Topics: Depression, loss, healing, friendship