Arkansas Crisis Center to launch new mental health support program for teens
To stream THV11 on your phone, you need the THV11 app. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new program is rolling out to expand mental health support for Arkansas youth.
Its called AR Teen Connect and aims to connect teens with other teens who will support them in hopes of preventing them from going into a mental health crisis. The chairman of the Board of Directors for Arkansas Crisis Center (ACC) explained that the goal is to stop the spiral early on. “We want 988 to be there as that final measure.
But I don’t believe that people should have to get to that point with the amount of resources we have, and we can get people before that point.
And that’s what ultimately we’re trying to do, is have that upstream measure,” said Joshua Gonzalez with Arkansas Crisis Center The program rolls out in early 2026, and in the meantime, Gonzalez said they’re still offering help for youth during the holidays with their 24/7 crisis hotline — just call or text 988. When the program goes live, ACC will push it out on social media.
The program has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. If you’re a teen interested in joining ACC’s Youth Advisory Board of Directors, please clickhere.