San Ramon Valley Teens Connect Peers With Free Therapists

SAN RAMON VALLEY, CA — A group of San Ramon teenagers is stepping up to help peers tackle struggles with mental health.

The nonprofit InTouch Foundation anonymously connects teens with therapists working pro bono and seeks "to normalize discussions about mental health, especially in Asian communities where it is taboo to do so," said Shreya Korlipara, who co-founded the organization with Ananya Premanand, Mira Prabhakar, Aavani Raj, Tarini Raj and Divya Senthil. They attend California High School and Dougherty Valley High School.

The nonprofit focuses on matters such as academic pressure, stress and anxiety at school and offers peer forums to make space for students to communicate, Korlipara said. InTouch organized two recent mental health awareness walks, including one this month attended by San Ramon Councilmember Sabina Zafar.

"While schools offer resources, students aren’t likely to go to a school counselor or utilize mental health resources because they feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health due to the stigma associated with it," Korlipara said in an email. "Furthermore, we have noticed disparities among teenagers struggling with their mental health as many mental health-related services are costly, which decreases the likelihood that these individuals will seek out help."

Want to get involved?

Californians may request help through an online survey.

Cal High students can join InTouch's youth-led mental health club, which offers activities geared to improving members' mental health. It also seeks to aid teachers and counselors in developing mental health curriculum.

The public may also sign up to be an InTouch ambassador or volunteer.