The need for youth mental health services has never been greater nationwide – and as the demand for therapy and support services for youth, parents, and caregivers continues to grow, Adolescent Counseling Services remains a critical source of support for communities across San Mateo County. For nearly two decades, Sand Hill Foundation has funded Adolescent Counseling Services as it empowers youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities.

In the most recent school year, the organization served over 15,000 individuals with direct mental health services, outreach, and education. Adolescent Counseling Services also provides professional training to Marriage & Family Therapy trainees, Social Work trainees, and Doctoral level practicum students, as well as offering opportunities for post-degree staff positions.

Sand Hill Foundation has focused its longtime support on mental health access for youth in San Mateo County, enabling no/low-cost mental health screenings, therapy, substance treatment, education, and support for vulnerable populations.

The foundation also has supported Adolescent Counseling Services to partner with others youth-serving organizations locally, including the San Mateo County Pride Center in San Mateo and CoastPride in Half Moon Bay, specializing in support for LGBTQ+ youth. At elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the region, they provide critical on-campus counseling based on severity of need, from peer support groups to 1:1 therapy, that would not otherwise be easily accessible to students. “ACS saved my life” wrote one student on a whiteboard outside the room where Adolescent Counseling Services delivered services at their school – a testament to the power of mental health support.