New brain research is shattering assumptions held for generations about the adolescent mind, fueling a battle over teen mental health, the rights of parents and the effectiveness of treatment. [more]

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Defining typical brain development in teenagers may lead to a tool that can predict who is likely to fall prey to a variety of disorders. [more]

Those who champion the program say it has the potential to save lives, alerting adults to problems long before teens become a danger to themselves or others. But to critics such, TeenScreen is at the least an invasion of privacy. At worst, they say, the program is falsely tagging impressionable teens with disorders they may never have. [more]

The idea that people with mental illnesses should "just get over it" runs contrary to the medical nature of the disorders, mental health experts say. No one expects a diabetic child to "tough it out" without insulin or criticizes children with leukemia for needing chemotherapy to fight off their diseases, they say. Mental illness can be just as life-threatening and crippling as diseases that strike the rest of the body, but psychiatric illnesses are held to a different standard. [more]

Eighteen-year-old Chad McCord had everything to live for, and had a seemingly well-balanced, good life. But at 18, he went on a run with his mother, then suddenly took his own life. View a 6-minute video about Chad.
Free RealPlayer plug-in required to view video. [more]

No one would tell a diabetic teenager to get over it and start producing insulin. No loving parent would choose to ignore a child's cancer, or worry what the neighbors might think if they found out. [more]

The Post-Dispatch is to be congratulated for "Mysteries of the teen brain" (Dec. 11-14), a comprehensive series of articles about teen suicide. [more]

The National Institute of Mental Health has information about many different disorders affecting the brain, including mental illnesses. Some publications are geared toward teens. [more]

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Go Ask Alice answers questions from young people. The Emotional Health section includes information on depression, grief, psychiatric disorders, stress, suicide and other issues. [more]

The Deal With It section of gURL.com contains information about common mental illnesses, eating disorders, suicide and lots of information about health and relationships directed toward young women. [more]

The American Psychiatric Association web site has resources and information about mental health. [more]

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has a helpful glossary of terms about mental illnesses that affect teenagers. [more]

The academy's web site has facts for families dealing with teenagers with depression. [more]

The American Association of Suicidology [more]

The Psychology Information Online has a good description of depression in teenagers. [more]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site has information about suicide, bullying and violence. [more]

The National Hopeline Network connects callers to a suicide hotline nearest them. Their number is 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE). [more]

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's number is 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). [more]

Missouri Crisis Hotline from BJC’s Behavioral Health Response is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their number is 314-469-6644 or you can call toll free: 1-800-811-4760 The telecommunications device for the deaf number is TDD: 314-469-3638 [more]

Kids Under Twenty-One Crisis Helpline has trained peer counselors manning the line from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Their numbers are 314-644-5886 and toll free 1-888-644-5886. [more]

Life Crisis Services Crisis Hotline is a round-the-clock service for those in crisis, including people considering suicide. Their number is 314-647-4357. [more]

The Illinois Community Counseling Center in Alton operates two 24-hour crisis lines and does free on-line depression screening for people in northern Madison County. The adult crisis line is 618-465-4388. The childrens crisis line is 800-345-9049. [more]

The Chestnut Health Systems in Granite City serves southern Madison County. Their number is 618-877-0316. [more]

The Spanish Hotline (La Linea de Ayuda) is an emergency line that also provides translation, or just a sympathetic ear, for Spanish-speaking people stuggling with depression, isolation, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, financial problems or immigration concerns. Thier number is 314-647-1150. [more]

Call for Help Inc. serves Bond, Clinton, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington Counties with suicide and crisis hotlines. Their number is 618-397-0963. Their TTY number is 618-397-096 [more]

NARSAD, the Mental Health Research Association is a nonprofit organization that funds research into the causes, cures, treatments and prevention of severe psychiatric brain disorders. Their main number is 800-829-8289. [more]

Marian Hall Emergency Shelter and Project Safe Place run by Catholic Charities provide shelter for 12 to 18-year-old girls. Their number is 314-531-0511. [more]

Youth Emergency Service from Epworth Children and Family Services also has short-term housing for teens in trouble. Their 24-hour hotline number is 314-727-6294 or call toll free at 800-899-5437. [more]

Youth In Need in St. Charles can find emergency shelter from abuse, neglect and homelessness. Their number is 636-946-0101. [more]

St. Louis Crisis Nursery operates three shelters — located at Forest Park Hospital, Christian Hospital Northeast and St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles — for short-term housing for children in need of emergency intervention or respite care. Here is a list of their numbers: Forest Park's is 314-768-3201, Christian Hospital Northeast's si 314-953-8030 and St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles' is 636-947-0600. [more]

BJC Behavioral Health: Behavioral Health Call Center and Referral Line number is 314-729-4004 or call toll-free 877-729-4004 to access all services, except EAP TDD — 314-729-4001 or call toll-free 877-729-4001. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday. For crisis services afterhours, or during weekends and holidays, call 314-469-6644 or toll-free 800-811-4760. [more]

The Behavioral Health Partners is located in Suite 400 on 1430 Olive Street in St. Louis, MO. 63103-2303. Their number is 314-206-3719. Their are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday. [more]

BJC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is located in Suite 200 on 343 South Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood, MO. 63122-6195. Their number is 314-829-4030 or call toll-free at 888-505-6444. This program has flexible hours to accommodate employees who need counseling services. [more]

BJC Behavioral Health — Community Services Central Division is located in Suite 500 on 1430 Olive Street in St. Louis, MO 63103-2377. Their number is 314-206-3700. Their TDD number is 314-206-3710. BJC Behavioral Health — Community Services Central Division is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday. For crisis services after hours, or during weekends and holidays, call 314-469-6644. [more]

The BJC Behavioral Health Services' North Division is located in Suite 200 on 3165 McKelvey Road in Bridgeton, MO., 63044-2550. Their number is 314-206-3900. Their TDD — Relay Missouri toll-free number is 800-735-2966. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday. For crisis services after hours, or during weekends and holidays, call 314-469-6644. [more]

BJC Behavioral Health Services South Division is located in Suite 200 on 343 South Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood, MO 63122-6195. Their number is 314-206-3400. Their TDD — Relay Missouri toll-free number is 800-735-2966. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday through Friday. For crisis services after hours, or during weekends and holidays, call 314-469-6644. [more]

BJC Behavioral Health Services Southeast Division is located on 1085 Maple Street in Farmington, MO 63640-1955. Their number is 573-756-5353 or call toll-free at 888-331-5111. Their TDD — Relay Missouri toll-free number is 800-735-2966. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Friday. For crisis services after hours, or during weekends and holidays, call toll-free 800-811-4760. [more]

Bridgeway Counseling Services is an intensive outpatient service for 14 to 18-year-olds with drug and alcohol problems. The program lasts up to six months. Family therapy is also offered and encouraged. Centers are located in St. Charles, St. Louis, Ferguson, Troy, Union and Warrenton. Their general number is 1-866-758-1152. The administrative offices are located on 1570 South Main Street in St. Charles, MO 63303. [more]

The Hopewell Center provides services for seriously mentally ill clients. They are located on 1504 South Grand in St. Louis, MO 63104. Their number is (314) 531-1770. [more]

The Crider Center for Mental Health serves Lincoln, Warren, St. Charles, and Franklin counties. They are located on 1032 Crosswinds Court in Wentzville, MO 63385-4836 . Their number is 636-332-6000. [more]

COMTREA is a community treatment organization that provides counseling for individuals and families in Jefferson County. Their numbers are 636-931-2700 and 636-931-5304. [more]

The St. Louis County Health Center Services works with the Family Mental Health Collaborative provide mental health services for people in Saint Louis County. [more]

The South County Health Center is located on 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis County, MO 63127. Their number is 314-842-1300. [more]

The John C. Murphy Family Health Center is located on 6065 Helen Avenue in Berkeley, MO 63134. Their number is 314-522-6410. [more]

The North Central Community Health Center is located on 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn, MO 63121. Their number is 314-679-7800. [more]

The Centerpointe Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital. Centerpoint focus on servicing the behavioral health needs of children, adolescents, and adults in the St. Louis city and county, southeastern and central Missouri, and southern Illinois. They are located on 5931 S Highway 94 in Saint Charles, MO 63304. Their number is 314-441-7300. [more]

DePaul Health Center/St. Vincent’s Hospital is located on 12303 DePaul Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044-2588. Their number is 314-344-7130. [more]

Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital is located on 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Louis, MO 63133. Their number is 314-512-7800. [more]

St. Anthony’s Hyland Behavioral Health is located on 10100 Kennerly Road in St. Louis, Missouri 63128. For evaluation and admitting, call 314-525-4400 or 800-525-2032. [more]

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St. Joseph’s Hospital —St. Charles is located on 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles, MO 63301-2844. Their number is 636-947-5000. [more]

The Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center is located on 2612 Annie Malone Drive in St. Louis, MO 63113. Their main number is 314-531-0120. The day care/respite number is 314-382-5560. [more]

Boy’s and Girl’s Town of Missouri is located at the St. Louis Center, 4485 Westminster Place, St. Louis, MO 63108. Their number is 314-535-7911. [more]

The Boy’s and Girl’s Town of Missouri Academy is located on 4753 South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, MO 63111. Their number is 314-481-9121. [more]

The Child Center of Our Lady is located on 7900 Natural Bridge Road in St. Louis, MO 63121. Their number is 314-383-0200. [more]

NBA ECHO Emergency Children’s Home is located on 3033 N. Euclid Avenue in St. Louis, MO 63115. Their nnumber is 314-381-3100. [more]

The Edgewood Children’s Center has day treatment programs and in-home services. The center is located on 330 North Gore Avenue in St. Louis, MO 63119-1699. Their number is 314-968-2060. [more]

Epworth Children & Family Services is located on 110 North Elm Avenue in Webster Groves, MO 63119. Their number is 314- 961-5718. [more]

Evangelical Children’s Home is located on 8240 St. Charles Rock Road in St. Louis, MO 63114. Their number is 314-427-3755. [more]

Father Dunne’s Newsboys’ Home & Protectorate is located on 853 Dunn Road in Florissant, MO 63031. Their phone number is 314-837-0513. [more]

The YouthBridge Family Community is located on 12685 Olive Boulevard. Their number is 314-434-5858. [more]

The Marian Hall Agencies provide emergency shelter and help to children and their mothers. The agencies building is located on 1340 Partridge Avenue in St. Louis, MO 63103. Their phone number is 314-726-3339. [more]

Marygrove offers treatment programs for troubled children and adolescents. Marygrove is located on 2705 Mullanphy Lane in Florissant, MO 63031. Their main number is 314-837-1702 and the fax number is 314-837-5319. [more]

Missouri Baptist Children’s Home provides many services for children and families. Family counseling and foster/adoptive placements are just a few of the programs available. Missouri Baptist Children’s Home is located on 11300 St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton, MO 63044. Their number is 314-739-6811. [more]

Piney Ridge Center is a psychiatric facility for boys and girls ages 6-19 who are experiencing psychological and behavioral problems. The center is located on 1000 Hospital Road in Waynesville, MO, 65583. Their number is 573-774-5353. [more]

Presbyterian Children’s Service is located on 1353 North Warson Road in St. Louis, MO 63132. Their St. Louis number is 314-989-9727. For more information on their branches in Farmington, Moberly and Springfield call 314-727-5444. [more]

St. Vincent’s Home for Children is located on 7401 Florissant Rd. in St. Louis, MO 63121-4835. Their number is 314-261-6011, extension 123. [more]

The Alliance for the Mentally Ill of St. Louis, (NAMI St. Louis) is located on 134 West Madison Avenue in St. Louis, MO 63122-4213. Their HelpLine number is 314-966-4670 and their programs is 314-966-6842. [more]

CHADS Coalition for Mental Health is located on 3775 Gumtree in St. Louis, MO 63129. Their number is 314-487-9414 or 314-952-4046. [more]

The St. Louis Empowerment Center is located in the basement of the Tyler Place Presbyterian Church. The center is address is 2109 S. Spring, St. Louis, MO 63110. Their number is 314-865-2112. [more]

The Gateway Parents Support Group (BILY — Because I Love You) is a helpline and support group. For assistance and more information call 314-993-7550. [more]

The Missouri Parents Act is a statewide parent training and information center serving all disabilities. MPACT's works with educators, so that children with special needs will receive an education that will allow them to achieve their personal goals. Their number is 1-800-995-3160. [more]

Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services' number is 1-800-392-8667. [more]

Missouri Statewide Parent’s Advisory Network State Office is located on 440 Rue St. Francois in Florissant, MO 63031. Their number is 314-972-0600. [more]

The St. Louis Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group holds their meetings every third Saturday of the month at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, 615 South New Ballas Road in the McAuley Room South. Their number is 314-842-7228. [more]

Arching Over is a family run organization that supports parents and caregivers of children with serious emotional disorders and behavioral problems. The organization serves St. Louis city and County. They are located on 5400 Arsenal Street in Suite A-403 in St. Louis, MO 63139. Their number is 314-645-0317. [more]

Transitions St. Louis System of Care is a program to build support systems for children with mental illness. They are located at 5400 Arsenal Street in Suite A-126 in St. Louis, MO 63139. Their number is 314-877-0348. [more]

Kids Under Twenty-One Crisis Helpline has trained peer counselors manning the line from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Teens can talk to other teens about problems with friends, family, school or other issues that are troubling them. You can reach them at 314-644-5886 or call toll free 1-888-644-5886. [more]

PALS (Parents affected by the loss of a child from suicide) is a support group for the parents of children that have committed suicide. The group meets at St. Luke's hospital on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and on the fourth Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. For more information call 314-647-2863 or 853-7925. [more]

Care Partners of St. Louis Psychiatric Care Management is hosting a support group for care givers, spouses, parents or other loved ones of people with psychiatric illness. The group's focus will be on recovery and rehabilitation, coping skills and helping mentally ill people lead productive lives in the community. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Recreation Center 2505 South Brentwood Blvd. For more information, call Maria Gianino at 314-647-4635. [more]