Outreach Teen & Family Services stands as a vital resource supporting the mental health of children, teens, and families throughout our community. As mental health concerns for young people continue to rise, the agency remains committed to making professional support accessible to all who need it.

The organization welcomes referrals for individual, family, and group counseling services from anyone in the community. When families complete the intake inquiry form on the agency’s website, they connect with either Outreach’s clinical director or a supervised intern intake coordinator who serves as their first point of contact. Staff members have observed that many families seeking support are connecting to mental health resources for the very first time, making the initial outreach both crucial and potentially intimidating.

Understanding that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, Outreach prioritizes reducing barriers by helping community members understand what to expect when accessing mental health services. The agency offers comprehensive support for anyone experiencing declining mental health through various service options including individual, group, family, and parenting sessions.

Families can initiate services through multiple pathways. The organization’s website, outreachteen.org, features an online inquiry form accessible through the “contact” tab, where individuals answer questions to help identify current needs. The more detailed information families provide, the better staff can match them with appropriate services. Alternatively, community members can call the main office at 412-561-5405 and leave a message on the intake line.

During the intake process, staff members conduct comprehensive assessments covering current needs, past mental health treatment history, and risk factors. As a low-level outpatient care center, Outreach does not provide crisis intervention services. When individuals present with active suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm, staff immediately connect them with appropriate crisis services to ensure safety. For others, the team shares information about current service availability and, if Outreach isn’t the right fit, provides alternative community resources.

Before connecting with services, families should consider several important factors. First, identifying specific goals for treatment helps intake coordinators determine the best service match. Second, families planning to use insurance should verify provider acceptance under their plan beforehand. Outreach maintains a commitment to community support, ensuring payment never becomes a barrier to care, though proactive insurance verification proves helpful for those prioritizing coverage. Finally, when parents call regarding their children, having preliminary conversations with young people helps identify needs from their perspective.

The agency recognizes that taking the first step toward seeking help often presents the greatest challenge. Outreach’s dedicated team works to create positive impacts on neighborhood mental health, welcoming community members even when they remain uncertain about beginning services.

Outreach’s outpatient therapists encourage anyone considering mental health support to reach out, emphasizing their availability to help navigate the process regardless of where families stand in their decision-making journey. Through accessible services, comprehensive intake processes, and community-focused care, Outreach Teen & Family Services continues fulfilling its mission of supporting mental wellness for all children, teens, and families in their service area.

The organization’s approach reflects understanding that mental health support should be approachable, comprehensive, and tailored to individual family needs, making professional care accessible when community members need it most. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today, we are here for you and your family!

Outreach Teen & Family Services is a nonprofit, confidential counseling service. We offer programs to youth ages 5 to 21, parents and families in a welcoming environment.  (412) 561-5405. Thiscolumn is partially underwritten by the Mt. Lebanon Police Association.