October marks the height of autumn and the arrival of cooler days. For some, it’s hard to say goodbye to the warmth and lingering memories of summer. For others, the crisp air, colorful leaves and cozy routines of fall are a welcome change. Many of us feel both nostalgic and excited as we embrace the beauty and traditions of a new season.

Here at Outreach Teen & Family Services, we’ve spent the past few months planning, learning, growing and developing new ways to better serve our community. Through surveys and conversations with parents, business owners, law enforcement, educators and other community members, we’ve gained valuable insight into how we can foster mental wellness through education and early intervention.

Here’s what we learned:

• Anxiety is the most common mental health concern affecting teens and families, followed by depression and bullying.

• Youth ages 14 to 18 are the most in need of additional support.

• Concerns related to social media include addiction, isolation, anxiety, bullying and threats to safety.

• Cost of care, stigma, insurance barriers and a shortage of providers often prevent youth and families from seeking help.

• Education and prevention are highly valued and viewed as essential.

• Schools need additional support for teachers, students, and parents.

• More informal supports, such as drop-in spaces and mentoring opportunities, would benefit our community.

While these findings are not surprising, they provide valuable direction as we continue to expand our services and create meaningful opportunities for connection and support.

Thanks to grants and generous donations, we are now able to offer every new counseling client their first two counseling sessions at no cost, making it easier for individuals and families to access care when they need it most. We have also eliminated the fee for drug and alcohol assessments to remove another barrier to receiving help.

This fall, Outreach will begin hosting drop-in hours at the library, where youth can participate in activities, connect with peers, and simply unwind in a welcoming environment. An Outreach counselor will be available to listen, provide support, and help young people navigate life’s challenges. We’re also excited to introduce Milly, pictured above, as part of our new pet therapy program, bringing comfort, connection and a few extra smiles along the way.

We’re also seeking partnerships with local youth sports organizations to provide education on motivation, stress management, and recognizing healthy ways to cope with worry, sadness, and isolation. We’d love the opportunity to visit a practice, meet with athletes and their families, and share practical tools and community resources that support mental wellness both on and off the field.

As we settle into the fall season, our goal remains to be visible, present, and a catalyst for stronger social connections throughout our community. While the busy pace of autumn is in full swing, we’re grateful for the opportunities this season brings to connect, support one another, and continue building a stronger community together.

Outreach is here to help you build confidence and take back control of your mental health. We offer a variety of affordable services for children and young adults ages 5-21, along with their parents and families, including individual, group, family and parent counseling. 
Follow us on Facebook (@Outreach Teen & Family Services) & Instagram (@outreach_teen).

Outreach does not offer crisis services or response and does not have evening and weekend on-call coverage. In an emergency, please go to your local emergency room or call RESOLVE at 1- 888-796-8226.

This column is partially underwritten by the Mt. Lebanon Police Association.