Mental health peer-support text line for teens launching this week

Reno, Nev. (KRNV) — The National Alliance on Mental Health of Western Nevada is launching a peer-support text line specifically for people ages 14-24.

Operators responding to the texts are trained young adults who have had or are currently struggling with mental health challenges themselves.

The program is an accessible way for children and teenagers to feel supported in a way that is almost like texting a friend. Users can text (775) 296-8336 from noon to 10 p.m. every day as frequently as they'd like.

NAMI of Western Nevada also operates a phone line and they get about 1100 phone calls per month. Some common struggles they see include challenges with adjusting to college, not knowing how to talk to their parents about something and dealing with depression and anxiety.

"What we needed to do is connect with the teens in a form of communication that they are already using and its also one of the reasons that we have operators who are closer in age to the teens," said Laura Yanez, Executive Director of NAMI, Western Nevada.

The NV Teen Text Line has three operators and they are looking to hire more.

More information about NAMI and the NV Teen Text Line can be found on their website.

Email reporter Audrey Mayer at aumayer@sbgtv.com. Follow @AudsMayer on Twitter, @AudreyMayerTV on Instagram, and Audrey Mayer KRNV on Facebook.