Get Help / Resources
Help is available.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with substance use or mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Support exists, and asking for help is a strong step.
Immediate Support
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services.
If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening, support resources are available below. Many are confidential, youth-friendly, and focused on care rather than punishment.
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If you’re worried about your own substance use, your mental health, or a friend’s safety, this page is for you. You don’t have to know exactly what you need to take a next step. Start here.
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Our Resource Hub includes up-to-date youth-friendly mental health and substance use support resources.
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Supporting a young person can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, or another trusted adult worried about a young person, this section is for you.
If you’re worried about your own substance use, your mental health, or a friend’s safety, this page is for you. You don’t have to know exactly what you need to take a next step.
YOOT approaches substance use disorder as a mental health issue, not a personal failure. Many young people are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or exhaustion. Support works best when it’s honest, respectful, and judgment-free.
You might be looking for:
Someone to talk to
Mental health support
Help reducing risk or staying safe
Treatment options
Information about overdose prevention
For Young People (12-24)
You’re not in trouble here.
Resource Hub
Youth Substance Use & Mental Health Resources
(Memphis & Shelby County)
We maintain a regularly updated list of youth-friendly resources, including:
Mental health counseling and therapy
Substance use disorder treatment options (outpatient and residential)
Harm reduction and overdose prevention resources
Naloxone access and education
For Parents, Caregivers & Trusted Adults
Supporting a young person can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, or another trusted adult worried about a young person, this section is for you.
Substance use disorder is a health issue, closely connected to mental health. Many young people are self-medicating emotional pain, stress, or untreated mental health conditions. Support is most effective when adults lead with steadiness, curiosity, and care rather than fear or control.
YOOT offers guidance and resources to help adults support young people in ways that build trust and reduce harm.
When you’re concerned about a young person
Helpful ways to show up:
Start with care, not confrontation
Listen more than you talk
Avoid shame, blame, or threats
Use person-first language
Keep conversations ongoing, not one-time
Focus on safety and connection rather than control
Small, consistent signals of support matter more than saying the “perfect” thing.
A note on trust and privacy
Young people are more likely to accept support when they feel safe and respected. Whenever possible, involve them in decisions about care and be transparent about next steps.
Support works best when young people feel partnered with, not managed.
Shared Principles
(for everyone on this page)
Substance use disorder is a health issue
Mental health and substance use are deeply connected
Shame and punishment increase risk; care reduces it
Honest information saves lives
No one should have to navigate this alone
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Whether you’re a young person looking for support or an adult trying to help someone you care about, resources are available.