PRESS RELEASE: JFCS offers teen mental wellness services through UpStreet
PITTSBURGH, PA (October 1, 2020) — JFCS recently launched UpStreet, a teen mental wellness program that offers drop-in consultations with therapists, scheduled therapy appointments, text-based peer support, and support groups for teens. UpStreet’s services, currently all virtual, are available for anyone ages 12 to 22 years old. UpStreet aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health support, to avoid escalation of symptoms to a crisis stage, and enhance teens’ quality of life.
Unlike other mental health providers that require a formal intake process before connecting people with services, UpStreet offers instant access to a mental health professional, which is unusual outside of crisis services. While they encourage parent involvement when appropriate, UpStreet does not require parents’ consent or involvement for teens over 14 years of age to begin receiving services. They also do not require insurance or a scheduled appointment to serve clients.
UpStreet was originally envisioned as a teen walk-in center in Squirrel Hill, and plans are still in place to open a brick and mortar location on Murray Avenue when it is deemed safe to provide in-person services. JFCS is partnering with The Friendship Circle to renovate a building on Murray Avenue; however, COVID-19 required UpStreet to begin implementing direct services much sooner than expected. UpStreet recognized teens were struggling and needed mental health support. In Spring 2020, UpStreet was quickly able to assess and respond to the needs in the community by offering virtual services.
The website and programming were designed with input from UpStreet’s Teen Advisory board, a group of local teens that meets every other week to provide staff with insights about the needs and interests of teens in our community. Teens can now visit upstreetpgh.org to chat with a therapist, schedule an appointment, or connect via chat with a peer.
In addition to therapy, UpStreet plans to provide a variety of services to enhance mental health, including creative group workshops, expressive arts, and opportunities to learn about vocations/careers. UpStreet staff will continue to adapt programs in response to emerging best practices and the evolving needs of community teens.
If you are interested in writing about UpStreet and would like to speak with Erin Barr, UpStreet Clinical Coordinator, or Stephanie Rodriguez, Teen and Adolescent Psychotherapist, please contact Allie Reefer at areefer@jfcspgh.org or 814-229-3133.