Content provided by Britny Rodriguez

Teens in San Antonio and the surrounding areas will once again have access to Project YES, a free and anonymous online program that provides young people with new ways to care for their mental health.

Part of UT Teen Health, Project YES offers teens short sessions on different topics, focusing on mood, body image, and staying safe when experiencing moments of emotional struggle. Each session lasts five to 10 minutes, accessible by phone, tablet or computer.

In partnership with Northwestern University, Project YES provides evidence-based, online modules for adolescents who may be feeling anxiety and stress. With generous grant support from Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, UT Teen Health is relaunching the program and tailoring it for teens in San Antonio and across South Texas.

“Many San Antonio teens do not have access to mental health support because of high cost, lack of transportation or stigma,” said Jacklynn Ware, MPH, project coordinator for UT Teen Health. “Project YES meets them where they are, with modules that speak to their real experiences. It is an incredible resource designed to help teens build strategies for improving their mental health. This is also a valuable opportunity to connect families with essential support and resources available in the San Antonio area.”

With World Mental Health Day approaching on Friday, October 10, Project YES is a vital resource as schools, communities, and parents seek more ways to support teen well-being. Relaunched in September for Suicide Prevention Month, the initiative is designed to raise awareness, provide resources, and foster open conversations about mental health. Free and accessible, Project YES is available for anyone to use and created specifically for teens ages 13 to 17.

“We know that teens are facing more stress than ever, and they need tools that meet them where they are,” said Jennifer San Pedro Todd, RN, director of community health at UT Teen Health. “Project YES gives teens a space just for them to learn how to care for their mental health on their own terms. It’s about confidence building, accessibility and making sure no one feels alone in what they’re going through.”

In 2023, a CDC survey showed just how many teens are struggling with their mental health. Almost 40 percent of high school students said they felt sad or hopeless on a regular basis. About 20 percent said they had thought about suicide, and nearly 10 percent said they had tried at least once.

“Project YES is more than a mental health tool. It’s a commitment to our community,” said Kristen Plastino, MD, founder and chief executive officer of UT Teen Health. “By offering free, accessible and youth-driven support, we’re helping to close the mental health gap for teens in South Texas. This partnership ensures that every teen, no matter their background, has a chance to feel heard, supported and hopeful about their future.”

UT Teen Health, a grant-funded program of UT San Antonio at the Health Science Center, is dedicated to helping young people grow into healthy adults. The program works with schools, parents and community partners to share Project YES. The goal is to give teens the tools they need to make healthy choices and prepare for the future. To learn more about the program, visit www.tryprojectyes.org/utth.