One in five adolescents have a mental health condition, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. The stigma surrounding mental health, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services have contributed to the inadequate treatment of mental health issues among teens.

Children’s Health Council was founded in 1953, based on the vision of pediatrician Dr. Esther B. Clark, to establish a place where children and families in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties could access therapy services from caring experts, regardless of cost. Since its founding, the organization has served over one million children, teens, and young adults across the Peninsula and throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

With the help of multi-year funding over the last decade from Sand Hill Foundation, Children’s Health Council has expanded equitable access to mental health services through the Teen Mental Health Initiative and the Ravenswood Wellness Partnership. As part of these efforts, the agency has leveraged its skills, expertise, and network to bring together therapists, educators, parents, nonprofits, hospitals, social workers, and youth to develop a web of mental health support throughout the region. The expansion has increased the affordability and availability of culturally appropriate, evidence-based therapeutic services, developed school partnerships to establish mental wellness programs and increase referrals for care, and helped remove stigma through community-wide education and collaboration. In honor of CHC’s 70th Anniversary in 2023, Sand Hill Foundation committed $1.5 million toward subsidized services for families living with low-income who would not otherwise be able to access mental health support.

Sand Hill Foundation’s longtime partnership with Children’s Health Council strives to meet the wellness needs of adolescents, young adults, and their families throughout our community—building resilience, hope, and healing.