Therapy Resources

  1. National Institute of Mental Health – NAMI is the leading organization for mental health in the United States.
  2. CDC Mental Health – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer basic definitions, diagnostic criteria, and statistics about mental health in the United States. This website includes printable materials, tools, quizzes, and more.
  3. Mental Health America – MHA sponsors National Mental Health Awareness Month every May. Download the Mental Health Month toolkit here.
  1. NAMI MN – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides national crisis support and resources as well as local, Minnesota crises support.
  2. Trevor Project – The Trevor Project provides access to trained counselors 24/7 for suicide and general mental health support.
  3. Crisis Text Line – The Crisis Text Lines allows you to text a trained Crisis Counselor from anywhere in the United States.
  4. MN Warmline – The MN Warmline is available to call when you are struggling with your mental health but are not experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency.
  1. Free Clinics in Minnesota – This website provides the largest online directory of free and affordable health clinics in the Minnesota.
  2. Family Tree Clinic – Family Tree Clinic provides a variety of physical and mental health services at affordable prices, specializing in reproductive and sexual health care.
  3. Native American Community Clinic _ NACC provides a full range of healthcare services and works to address the health disparities within the urban Native American community of the Twin Cities.
  4. Planned Parenthood North Central States – Find access to a Planned Parenthood health center location where they specialize in sexual and reproductive healthcare.
  5. Children’s MN Gender Health Clinic – The Gender Health Clinic provides comprehensive care for transgender and gender diverse kids. This program is an exclusively pediatric, multidisciplinary gender health program, and includes pediatric gender health, endocrinology and gynecology physicians.
  1. Our Bodies, Ourselves – Critical health and sexuality information rooted in social justice and wellness for all.
  2. Sex, etc. – Sex education for teens, by teens. Find resources, Q&As, and how-to guides for having conversations about sexual health.
  3. Our Whole Lives – Lifespan sexuality education featuring workshops and classes based on various age groups. OWL aims to dismantle stereotypes and assumptions about sexuality and sexual health to foster healthy relationships.
  4. Scarlateen: Sex Ed for the Real World – Inclusive sexuality, gender, and relationship education resources for teens and emerging adults.
  5. Sexuality and Menopause – Resources and information about the way the biological process of menopause can affect a person’s sexual health
  6. Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults – information about common aging-related challenges and opportunities, and approaches to consider making the most of individual situations in these areas.
  1. What to Say – Resources including guides, videos, and articles to help adults support their children in building healthy relationships with food, body, and exercise.
  2. Give Your Community Better Health – A TED Talk with Ron Finley about changing the composition, health, and mental health of a city through community gardens in South Central LA, which is a “food desert.”
  3. Health/Wellness for Girls – Wellness information for tween/teen girls. Includes information about body, fitness, nutrition, illness/disability, drugs/alcohol, feelings, relationships, bullying, safety, and the environment.
  4. How to Talk with your Kid/Tween about bodies/size – A conversation guide that offers parents “real-world” situations and plain language responses to questions about weight issues including understanding BMI, cultural differences, body image, bullying, weight bias and family obesity.
  5. Peace Meal Podcast – a podcast from The Emily Program covering topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.
  6. Common Ground Meditation Center – A Minneapolis meditation center that offers free classes to teach the wonderful skill of mindfulness to people of all ages. Please check out their website for other classes and workshops, including specific programs for youth.
  7. Health at Every Size – HAES is an alternative to the weight-centered approach to treating clients and patients of all sizes. Principles that promote health equity, support ending weight discrimination, and improve access to quality healthcare regardless of size.
  8. Navigators USA (All-Inclusive Group that is similar to Boy Scouts) – Scouting experience for kids of all genders, races, religions, economic status’, sexual orientations and social backgrounds. Reach the Twin Cities group at [email protected]
  9. “Fresh” Teaching Resources for Kids/Teens, Teachers, and Parents – Extensive food resources and teaching materials aimed to improve the health/nutrition of families and classrooms. Printable lesson plans, shopping guides, and other great visuals for kids and families to use for learning.
  10. Just for Kids Outdoor Activities in Minnesota – Get your kids outside! Fun activity ideas around the state of MN. Includes some online resources including naturecams and activity sheets to inspire kids in nature near home.
  11. Wellbeing and Climate Change – Discussion and resources about how environmental stress, weather disasters and climate change impact health.
  1. Parenting Science – A website focused on evidence-based literature by scientists who study parenting and child development. Organized by age group and parenting topic.
  2. Mayo Clinic Press Kids – A trusted source for engaging mental and physical wellness content for parents, kids, and teens. Find articles, books, podcasts, videos, and other content on parenting topics.
  3. Trauma Informed Parent – A resource website curated by a researcher who is also the parent of a trauma survivor. Intended to increase resources for parents and caregivers of children who have endured trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACES).
  4. THRIVE App – This free app from the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine features an extensive library of teen health and wellness topics relevant to this transformative and often complex stage of life to help parents have important discussions with their teens and young adults.
  5. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) – ECFE groups offer learning environments that enhance the ability of parents and other family members to support their child’s learning and development. Open to all MN families with a child between the ages of birth and Kindergarten entrance.
  6. Nourish Interactive – Information and print materials for parents about how to create a home that meets the nutrition and health needs of today’s kids. Interactive games for kids/tweens about how to incorporate mindful nutrition into today’s fast-paced, fast-food world.
  7. The Body is Not An Apology for Kids – common mistakes parents make about their kid’s weight and suggestions to try instead to ensure children know they will support them in the bodies they have right now.
  1. GLSEN – Formerly Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. GLSEN (pronounced “glisten”) provides research and resources for educators and students making schools more LGBTQ inclusive.
  2. Transforming Families – Transforming Families is a community for safe transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families can come together and support each other. They offer monthly support groups for parents, kids, siblings, and teens.
  3. Transfamilies – Trans Families is a non-profit that supports transgender people and their families. They provide parent support groups, trans youth leadership program, special topics groups, and youth support groups.
  4. Gender Spectrum – Gender Spectrum provides online groups, events, and other resources in gender sensitive and inclusive environments safe for all kids and teens. There are resources for youth, families, teachers, social workers, and more.
  5. Family Equality’s The Neighborhood – This is a virtual hub for LGBTQ+ families to connect with others, find support, and build community.
  6. Children’s MN Gender Health Clinic – The Gender Health Clinic provides comprehensive care for transgender and gender diverse kids. This program is an exclusively pediatric, multidisciplinary gender health program, and includes pediatric gender health, endocrinology and gynecology physicians.
  7. Family Tree Clinic – Family Tree Clinic provides a variety of physical and mental health services at affordable prices, specializing in reproductive and sexual health care. They are committed to improving the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals through affordable, respectful sexual health care and education
  8. OutFront Minnesota – OutFront Minnesota fights for LGBTQ+ justice and equity throughout MN.
  1. JED Foundation – JED empowers teens and young adults by building resiliency and life skills, promoting social connectedness, and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviors through programming, digital channels, and partnerships with schools. This website has great tools for support during the transition to college as well.
  2. YMCA of the North – The YMCA provides drop-in resources for youth including basic needs, support services for mental and emotional health, employment assistance, and youth community activities.
  3. Change to Chill – A website providing mindfulness and stress relief resources for teenages.
  4. Love is Respect – Love is Respect provides 24/6 information, support, and advocacy for teens and young adults who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships.
  5. MN Teen Mental Health Directory – This directory provides resources, support, education, and all things mental health related for teens in Minnesota.
  6. YouthLink – YouthLink provides support and resources to empower young people on their journey to self-reliance. They have a specific focus on supporting youth experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities and beyond.
  7. The Bridge for Youth – The Bridge empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships.
  8. Teen Talk App – Teen Talk App provides a free, anonymous, safe space for teens to request support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences.

Mental Help – A website that provides information on mental disorders, general wellness and mental health advocacy. Click on ‘Disorders and Issues’ to read about specific mental health diagnoses.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – The Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and resources for anyone who calls. 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line – Anyone can text in for support and will be connected with a Crisis Counselor. Text HOME to 741741.

Crisis Response for Children & Teens – Crisis hotline that provides over the phone as well as in person support (if needed). This phone number can be used any time a young person (under 18) is struggling with depression, seems out of control, or is at risk of hurting themselves or others. Support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Phone number: 651-774-7000

Teen Line – Crisis Text Message Support – A confidential telephone helpline for teenage callers. Available every evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm PST and is toll-free from anywhere in California. Teens can talk or text with another teen who has been trained to take calls. Phone number: 310-855-HOPE(4673) Text support: text “TEEN” to 839863. TEEN LINE also offers message boards, resources and information.

Urgent Care for Adult Mental Health – Provides crisis support services for adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Urgent Care provides phone support 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and provides walk-in crisis mental health appointments in St Paul, MN (see website for location, hours, etc.). The walk-in clinic can be used as an alternative to the emergency room at your local hospital. The walk-in clinic is not to be used for medical (non-psychiatric) emergencies. Phone number: 651-266-7900

Crisis Connection  – Provides crisis phone support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Also provides and crisis text support for teens. Phone number: 612-379-6363 or toll free at 1-866-379-6363

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – A national hotline that provides crisis phone and online chat services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Phone number: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Canvas Health’s Crisis Response Team – Canvas Health’s 24-hour crisis response team provides mental health phone support as well as in-home crisis assessment. HSI also provides extensive mental health assessment, resources, and support: 651-777-5222  

Veteran’s Crisis Line –  Connects Vets in mental health crisis and their families and friends with Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 

Get Help/Prevent Child Abuse – The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD). Hotline dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States and Canada, the Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages. The Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential.

Al-Anon and Alateen in the Twin Cities – Support for individuals dealing with the effects of alcoholism.

United Way First Call for Help – This confidential help line can connect people to a variety of community resources (from legal assistance to child care). Phone: 211 or 800-543-7709 or 651.291.0211 (cell phone users).

St. Mary’s Health Clinic – Provides free medical care for individuals in the seven county Metro area.
Clinic sees people of all ages and does not see individuals for pre-natal, mental health, dental, or emergency care. Please call to make appointment and to determine eligibility: 651.287.7777

Family Tree Clinic – Family Tree Clinic serves any teens and adults who need reproductive and sexual health care services. They serve people who are uninsured and underinsured and provide a variety of testing services as well as routine examinations. Located across the street from Sentier Psychotherapy!

The Emily Program – Personalized treatment for individuals dealing with an eating disorder: 651.645.5323 or 1.888.EMILY77  

Domestic violence shelter and supportive services: 
Tubman Family Alliance 
East Metro Women’s Council

Native American Community Clinic – A Minneapolis clinic that provides physical health (prenatal, general medical care, diabetes care), mental health, and dental care for adults and children. Also a great resource for various types of testing and screening, as well as nutrition/wellness/fitness programming and resources. This agency specializes in Native American/First Nations individuals and works with all individuals, regardless of ability to pay.

Scarlateen– Inclusive (LGBTQIA+/BIPOC/disabilities) site that educates teens and young adults about relationships, sex, and community. Articles, guides, fact sheets, message boards, mentorship and community are all available on this awesome site!

Trans Youth Sexual Health – Information about body positivity, sexual health, sexual functioning, body changes with hormones, surgery, pregnancy, and contraception.

Sex, etc – A sex education website for teens, written by teens. If you don’t go to this site and dive into some of the info, your teen likely will on their own. Covers every topic you can imagine. Includes polls, videos of teens talking about most topics, and more.

Parent Guide by Age – Lots of information about sex, sexuality, gender, and identity. Bonus is that this site is broken down by age: what topics to cover beginning in preschool! Includes helpful videos.

Talking with your Teen/Young Adult about Sex– Thorough guide about when to talk with them, certain topic areas to cover, and how to handle certain difficult conversations that need to happen.

Talking with your Tween about Sex– The why, when, how, and what to talking with your tween about sex.

Give Your Community Better Health – Food and Mental Health – Ron Finley establishes gardens in South Central LA, which is a “food desert.” He is changing the composition, health, and mental health of this community in need. You can also do this in your community. Please watch the TED talk to better understand what Finley is doing in his community.

Health/Wellness Information & Games – Information (and print-outs) for parents about how to create a home that meets the nutrition and health needs of today’s kids. Information and interactive games for kids/tweens about how to incorporate nutrition and healthy living into today’s fast-paced, fast-food world.

Health/Wellness for Girls – Wellness information for tween/teen girls. Includes information about body, fitness, nutrition, illness/disability, drugs/alcohol, feelings, relationships, bullying, safety, and the environment.

How to Talk with your Kid/Tween about Weight Issues – A conversation guide that offers parents “real-world” situations and plain language responses to questions about weight issues including understanding BMI, cultural differences, body image, bullying, weight bias and family obesity.

Common Ground Meditation classes for kids/adolescents/teens in MN – A local meditation center (in Minneapolis) that offers free classes to teach the wonderful skill of mindfulness to people of all ages. Please check out their website for other classes and programs.

Navigators USA (All-Inclusive Group that is similar to Boy Scouts) – Scouting experience for kids of all genders, races, religions, economic status’, sexual orientations and social backgrounds. Local Chapter in Minneapolis. Please contact Christopher Johnstone (Chapter leader) at [email protected] for more information.

Co-op Directory – Find co-ops that are located near you at home, when you travel, etc. Buy better food (often more expensive) and eat less.

“Fresh” Teaching Resources for Kids/Teens, Teachers, and Parents – Extensive food resources and teaching materials aimed to improve the health/nutrition of families and classrooms. Printable lesson plans, shopping guides, and other great visuals for kids and families to use for learning.

Parenting Help – Information for parents about physical, emotional, and behavioral topics ranging from child development to allowance tips. Includes information about nutrition, mental health, and how to keep kids safe. All material is reviewed by pediatricians.

Articles About Parenting written by Parents – A multi-author website providing parenting advice, tips, and stories from real parents.  Information from parents around the globe. Goal of website is to help foster better parenting practices.

St. Paul Support Group for Parents of Teens with ADHD/ADD – Monthly meeting for parents of teens with ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Meeting is two hours in length and starts with a professional presentation. After presentation, parents break into small discussion groups to exchange ideas, thoughts, and struggles. Support provided by other parents and professionals. Library and resources available on-site. Group is sponsored by School District 622 and PrairieCare.

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) – A website dedicated to empowering families of “gifted” kids/teens. This website has great and extensive resource lists!

How to Talk with your Kid/Tween about Weight Issues – A conversation guide that offers parents “real-world” situations and plain language responses to questions about weight issues including understanding BMI, cultural differences, body image, bullying, weight bias and family obesity.

Can Pornography Use Cause Early Onset Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men? – Parents need to talk with boys about pornography. This Dr. Oz clip (there are three parts to this series) discusses the long-term impact that pornography use can have on young men. Pornography use at a young age can lead to erectile dysfunction in a young man’s 20’s and 30’s (as well as many relational problems, etc.). Good resource for parents.

Answer Sex Ed Honestly – Information, online training, and resources about sex and sexuality for teens and parents of teens. Many great resources, including information (and book recommendations) to help parents with the sex talk(s) that need to take place with teens!

Recommended Reading for Couples

Teen Phone/Text Help Line – A hotline that is run by teens who are trained to listen to other teens in need. Teens can call or text with other teenagers about mental health issues (depression, loneliness, anxiety, suicide, homelessness, AIDS, family problems, etc.). Only available during evening hours.

OnYourMind.net – Support for teens by teens. Online chatting and phone support available during school year. Site is run by teens; services are free.

The Canvas – The Canvas is an arts-based teen center developed by youth in Saint Paul. Located at the Hancock Recreation Center (on the corner of Snelling and Hubbard). Workshops on dance, rapping, spoken-word, photography, fiction, and more!

Online Homework Help – Online resources and homework help for Ramsey County teens. Live help available online from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Suicide Prevention Collaborative – East Metro suicide prevention group that Sentier Psychotherapy’s owner, Megan Sigmon-Olsen, cofounded.

Information, tools and resources about mental health diagnoses, cyberbullying, relationships, how to help friends in need, suicide and other important topics for young adults. Free music, e-cards and quizzes available.

Kids/Teens Health – Information for kids and teens about physical, emotional health topics. Includes information about development, nutrition, drugs/alcohol, as well as games and articles about health-related topics. All material is reviewed by pediatricians.

Homework Help for Teens – A comprehensive reference website that combines the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas, and several almanacs. This website’s search engine allows you to search all these sources at once.

Outward Bound Adventure Programs – Challenge and discovery are used to help teens look within themselves to self-discover. Variety of in-state (Minnesota) and out-of-state adventure programs to help teens with a variety of life challenges (grief and loss, isolation and social/relational stress, leadership, self-discovery, etc.). Many wonderful opportunities for teens!

Sex, etc. – Information for teens about sex, sexual health, how to talk to parents about sex, and other useful tools. Great place for teens to get answers about sex. Parents: Teens are looking for the information, anyway! This is a great place for them to get answers!

Recommended Reading for Teens

Teen LGBTQ Support Group in St. Paul, MN

MN Q Youth – A local Minnesota group that support LGBTQA youth through advocacy, education, leadership, and social opportunities.

The Family Acceptance Project’s (FAP) research about best outcomes for LGBTQ youth – FAP has found that youth who are accepted by their families are at significantly lower risk of suicidality, depression, HIV, drug use, and mental illness. This booklet educates families about how powerful their acceptance of their LGBTQ family member really is. This research is a “best practice” to combat suicide among youth.

Reclaim – Mental health services for LGBTQ youth. This is a great agency that provides low-cost services for ALL GLBT youth. Services provided: Individual counseling, family counseling, teen support groups, family support groups, integrative health services (acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, massage, energy balancing), smoking cessation group, and outreach services.

Out and Equal – A website dedicated to making the workplace equal for LGBTQ individuals. Many helpful resources, trainings, information and interactive maps.

It Gets Better Project – A website dedicated to show LGBT people that life can get better if they can just get through their teen years.

Trevor Project – Organization that provides crisis services (phone support) and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth.

TrevorSpace – A social networking site for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 13 through 24 (as wells as friends and allies).

PFLAG (Parents and Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) – A non-profit organization that aims to provide support for parents, families, and friends of individuals who are LGBTQ. Also provides support services for individuals who are LGBTQ. Support groups offered all over the world.

Navigators USA (All-Inclusive Group that is similar to Boy Scouts) – Scouting experience for kids of all genders, races, religions, economic status’, sexual orientations and social backgrounds. Local Chapter in Minneapolis. Please contact Christopher Johnstone (Chapter leader) at [email protected] for more information.