Support Active Minds
Change how mental health is valued and prioritized in society.
Join the movement
Over the past two decades, Active Minds has been working to change the culture and conversation around mental health for youth and young adults (ages 14-25) nationwide.
Why? Because the reality is…
Youth and young adults are facing more and more challenges to their mental health than ever before.
2x increase
in the number of college student mental health problems from 2013 to 2021
48% of young adults
18-25 experienced mental health symptoms during the pandemic
33% increase
in the proportion of adolescents experiencing anxiety and/or depression from 2016 to 2020
Young people are on the frontlines of mental health culture change – especially since 76% of young adults tell a friend they are struggling with their mental health before they tell anyone else.
Active Minds is committed to amplifying the collective, diverse voice of youth and young adults to build a movement of lasting champions who will improve mental health norms.
Our ultimate goal
Building a movement that forever changes how mental health is valued and prioritized in society.
And we need your help…
You can take action right now to improve the mental health of young people nationwide in more than 1,000 high schools, colleges, universities, and other communities.
“Active Minds saved my life. This organization gave me the courage, the support, and the words to let others know I was struggling. [Active Minds] has changed my life, and it can change the lives of so many more.”
Macie, Morningside College
A peer-based approach
Through unique and innovative programs, Active Minds is preparing the next generation of mental health advocates to combat the mental health crisis facing our youth. Here’s how:
One example of this is our nationwide network of 500+ Active Minds Chapters, which are peer-led mental health advocacy groups focused on creating positive social change and a mentally healthier future in colleges and high schools across the United States.
Young people want to support their friends, but 58% said they don’t know how. One way we’re changing that is by teaming up with Paramount/MTV Entertainment Studios to create A.S.K. — Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-touch — the “stop, drop and roll” of emotional support for informal peer support.
An example of this is our Active Minds Mental Health Conference, an annual event bringing together hundreds of young adults and mental health advocates from across the country. The conference showcases the most innovative and effective approaches to supporting young adult well-being and prepares attendees to change the conversation about mental health on campuses, in schools, in the transition to the workplace, and within our communities.
Our mission is focused on eliminating stigma and barriers to support BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities to mobilize as champions of mental health advocacy. One of our many programs supporting this work is the Mental Health Advocacy Academy, a leadership development and mental health advocacy program that empowers high school students to affect change in their schools, communities, and states.
Changing the culture of mental health nationwide
Mental health shouldn’t only be talked about in moments of crisis — it should be part of everyday conversation. We invite you to join this movement with a gift today, support youth and young adult advocates nationwide, and help build supportive communities across the country built on awareness, acceptance, and hope.
Looking for more ways to give?
Learn about different ways to support our work, get involved, and help change the conversation around mental health.
A mission you can trust
Active Minds is proud to be a nationally recognized, top-rated charity. This means you can trust that when you give, you are supporting an organization that values transparency and accountability, especially for its donors.
