Resources for Youth and Young Adults
This page identifies resources that might help our youth navigate the challenges of growing up. To be included in this list, the organization must be a not-for-profit organization and physically located in the Prince William, VA area.
- Alcohol & drugs
- Bullying
- Child abuse
- Eating disorders
- Hotlines
- Pregnancy, birth control, & family planning
- Self injury
- Hospitals & emergency rooms
- Mental health
- Death, loss, & chronic illness
- Relationships & dating violence
- LGBTQ
- Counseling & Support
- Treatment Centers
- Employment
- Legal Assistance
- Mediation
- Financial Education
Alcohol, Drugs
When used in large amounts, over a long period of time, or in the wrong combination, alcohol or drugs can kill. Effects depend on the user’s body size and personality. Drugs are unpredictable and effects vary from person to person. Some of the dangers of experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol are: overdose, illness, accidents, use of impure or unknown drugs, addiction, problems with family, work, school, etc., trouble with the law, death.
This list of questions can help you determine if you or someone else’s use of alcohol and/or drugs is a problem:
- Do you drink/do drugs because of problems? When you are mad at others?
- Are your grades or work habits starting to slip?
- Drink/do drugs even when not meaning to?
- Drink/do drugs in the morning? Before school/work?
- Have blackouts?
- Lie about drinking/drug use?
- Get in trouble because of drinking/drug use?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then ask for help!
Families Anonymous
A 12-step fellowship for families and friends of persons in recovery
Lists meetings, including virtual meetings
Alateen
al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
Support for teen relatives and friends of alcoholics
Do it now foundation
Provides information on drugs, alcohol, sexuality, and other behavioral health topics
Virginia NA – Narcotics Anonymous
Listing of Virginia NA and related sites. Part of a United States directory of Narcotics Anonymous related websites (intergroups, central offices, clubhouses, conventions, conferences, roundups, groups, phone numbers, etc.) organized by state.
National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Centers
Treatment and referral line for alcohol or drug abuse and mental health illness. local referrals
Nicotine Anonymous
1-877-TRY-NICA (1-877-879-6422)
referrals to support group information
Bullying
Bullying is a form of youth violence with intimidating negative actions towards another person seen as vulnerable. Common types of bullying can include:
- Physical: hitting, punching, stealing, or demanding someone’s property
- Verbal: name-calling, teasing, or making insensitive remarks about someone’s race, sexual orientation, gender, etc.
- Cyber bullying: harassment or making fun of someone using digital technologies such as cell phones and social media sites.
- Social bullying: spreading rumors, gossiping, and purposely excluding someone from a particular group.
Warning signs of bullying: It is not easy to admit being bullied. The person often feels too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone what they are going through. Some warning signs that reveal someone is being bullied may be:
- Lack of desire to go to school
- Expresses lack of trust with school personnel
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Lack of interest in attending school activities or events
- Significant changes in mood and behaviors
- Increased concern with personal safety
- Feeling the need to carry protection devices or weapons to school
If a student needs urgent help or support, please visit 121 Help Me or call 1.855.201.2121. 121 Help Me offers immediate phone access to trained counselors with lots of experience listening to young people. 121 Help Me is a program of the North American Alliance of Child Helplines (NAACH). The goal of the program is to create universal crisis portals for children and youth, both on the phone and online, as mechanisms to reach qualified, professional crisis counselors 24/7.
Facing History and Ourselves
A nonprofit international educational and professional development organization.
Our mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.
Stop bullying
Website provides information about bullying and how it can be prevented and responded to. Provides referrals for victims of bullying and how to get help.
VetoViolence
Provides information about bullying, dating violence, sexual violence and other resources
ConnectSafely
Child Abuse
Most people think of child abuse as someone physically harming a small child, but did you know that about one third of child abuse victims are teens? The abuser usually threatens or blames the victim, so that the victim will keep the abuse a secret. Abusers are usually someone the victim knows, a family member or well-known adult the victim trusts. Types of abuse include:
- Emotional abuse: occurs when someone frequently uses screaming, threatening, sarcasm or bad mouthing as a method of controlling.
- Emotional neglect: occurs when parents/caregivers fail to give the attention or affection needed by a child to grow in a healthy manner.
- Physical neglect is also a form of abuse. It occurs when a parent/caregiver fails to provide a child with adequate food, shelter, clothing, protection, supervision or medical care.
If you suspect someone you know is being abused, or you are being abused yourself, call for help. It is not your fault. Keeping the abuse a secret will only cause the cycle of pain and shame to continue.
Virginia Department of Social Services
dss.virginia.gov/about/abuse.cgi
Child abuse hotline 1-800-552-7096
House of Ruth
24-hour Toll Free Hotline: 1-877-988-5559
information and referrals about violence, shelters. Services available to teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or violence in the home, school or community
Stop it now
Helpline 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368)
Offers help center offers information on adult behavior with children. Offers resources on: sexuality, abuse, how to find help etc.
Eating Disorders
Stay Strong Richmond
http://www.staystrongvirginia.org
Provides support, advocacy, education and resources to families, friends and professionals in the Virginia area.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Provides support, advocacy, treatment finder, parent and educator tool kits, blogs, and general information regarding eating disorders
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
A long-standing organization dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of eating disorders
The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com
An organization that endeavors to raise awareness, promote early intervention, and eliminate stigma related to eating disorders. The Alliance publishes Treatment Referral Guides each year for providers and families as they search for the right treatment program
Eating Disorder Hope
Education and support for individuals suffering from eating disorders and their families and friends
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (FEAST)
Empowering families through education, support, and advocacy
National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
National eating disorders helpline: 1-800-931-2237 Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (ET) Mon-Thurs; and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET) Friday. For 24/7 crisis support, text ‘NEDA’ to 741741
Help line to connect people with support, referrals and information
Discovery in Recovery app
available in playstore, appstore.
App that provides recipes, food tracking, inspiration
Hotlines
Teenline
Anonymous teen to teen hotline. Website offers information and resources: blogs, message boards
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
Disaster Distress Helpline
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Immediate crisis counseling related to disasters, 24/7.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Treatment referral and information, 24/7.
Boys Town Your Life, Your Voice
http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/
National Hotline: 1.800.448.3000
Crisis and support line for children, youth and their parents, 24/7 and Spanish available. Multi-topic and issue assistance.
Childhelp
1.800.4ACHILD (1.800.422.4453)
Provides 24/7 assistance in 170 languages to adults, children and youth with information and questions regarding child abuse. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
National Runaway Safeline
1.800.RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Crisis line for youth thinking about running away, for youth already on the run and for adults worried about a runaway. 24/7 help available.
Loveisrespect
Peer advocates available 24/7 to support teens with concerns about dating violence. Chat available thru their website, or text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
Trevor Project Lifeline
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Support and assistance 24/7 for anyone feeling depressed, overwhelmed or suicidal.
Emergency Contraception Hotline
24 hour recording containing information about emergency contraception
National Center for Victims of Crime
information and referrals to support. Online resources for victims of crime. Advocate for victim’s rights.
Pregnancy/Birth Control/Family Planning
AAA Women for Choice
9380A Forestwood Ln
Manassas, VA 22110-4735
Birthright
703-361-9769; 24/7 Helpline 1.800.550.4900
10752B Ambassador Dr
Manassas, VA 20109-2626
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers
8691 Stonewall Rd, Suite B,
Manassas, VA 20110
Free medical services, counseling to consider options, counseling for men
Self-Injury
Self injury or “cutting” refers to any self harm that involves inflicting injuries or pain on one’s own body. Once seen and treated as a suicide attempt, trained mental health professionals now define the act of cutting as an unhealthy coping mechanism designed to immediately alleviate tension, anxiety, stress and/or depression. In other words, when reality feels overwhelming, some turn to cutting themselves with sharp objects to relieve their inner pain.
Concerns should be raised in any of the following situations:
- Scarification and branding
- Decisions to have body modification or procedures done under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Altered mood states
- Poor self-image or self-esteem
- Increased layering of jewelry, clothing or drawings over particular surfaces of the body
Door of Hope 4 Teens & Young Adults
914 .393.1904; text or call 803. 570.2061
Texting line: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 – 10:00 pm
Self-injury: You are NOT the only one
Provides information about self harming, alternatives to harming, resources for friends and families. It was last updated in 2003, and many external links don’t work.
Mental Health America
Offers mental health self-screenings, how to help others, lists of support groups in a multitude of areas
Emotions Anonymous International
Support group for individuals experiencing difficult emotions. On-line and Skype meetings.
S.A.F.E Alternatives
(800)-DONTCUT | (800)-366-8288
Support for those who engage in repetitive self-harming behaviors
Hospitals/Emergency Rooms
Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center
Emergency Room 8700 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110
Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center
Emergency Room 15225 Heathcote Blvd, Haymarket, VA 20169
Mental Health
Seize the Awkward
How to tell if a friend is struggling with their mental health; conversation starters and how to help.
Death/Loss/Chronic Illness
Haven of Northern Virginia Grief Support
4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, VA 22003
A nonprofit, nonsectarian community organization of trained volunteers that offers emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying and to their families and friends. Haven also provides education to the community about the needs of those who are grieving.
GriefShare
GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.
Free daily email encouragement. Local meetings in Manassas.
Relationships/Dating Violence
It is very common to have mixed feelings about someone who is violent towards you. Find someone to talk to who will believe you and respect your feelings. Everybody gets angry sometimes, but there are times when some people get so angry they totally lose control. They may throw things, punch the wall, or hit somebody. They may even be sorry afterwards.
Abusive relationships tend to get worse, not better. Resist the temptation to give the abusive person “one more chance.”
ThatsNotCool.com
Information for healthy relationships
A Thin Line
Information on digital abuse: forced sexting, harassment.
Loveisrespect
National Teen Dating abuse hotline: 1.866.331.9474
24 hour counseling for dating violence, safety planning support and referrals. Online chat and texting available. Text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
Downloadable materials, safety plan creation, am I a good partner? resources
Boys Town Your Life, Your Voice
http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/
National Hotline: 1.800.448.3000
Crisis and support line for children, youth and their parents, 24/7 and Spanish available. Multi-topic and issue assistance. Resources for tough situations; call, text, chat, email
RAINN: Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network
rainn.org/about-sexual-assault – or – rainn.org/es
24 hour hotline, chat available: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Information about sexual assault, consent, safety and warning signs, recovery
Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
Statewide Hotline: 1.800.838.8238
Chat (confidential instant messaging) Text: 804.793.9999
Offers information for survivors
Youth For Tomorrow
Shelter and education programs for teens older than 12.
American Sexual Health Association — iwannaknow.org
Website offers information and resources about youth sexual health, STI’s, relationships.
LGBTQ
LGBT National Help Center
1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Youth Talkline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States. All of our services are free and confidential. We speak with teens and young adults up to age 25 about coming-out issues, gender identity, relationship concerns, parent issues, school problems, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!
We also maintain the largest resource database of its kind in the world, with 15,000 listings. Our database contains information on youth groups, social and support organizations, as well as gay-friendly religious organizations, sports leagues, student groups and much more.
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Established in 1990, GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for its positive contribution to more vibrant and diverse communities.
GLSEN Northern Virginia
7105 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109
COLAGE
COLAGErs are people with one or more LGBTQIA+ parent or caregiver—they are skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities. Our stories are important, and so is yours.
Information, resources, books, publications
Trevor Project Lifeline
1.866.488.7386 available 24/7/365 – for youth under 25
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Text, chat email also; forums for questions. Offers information & support about LGBTQ relationships.
Side by Side
Youth Support Line: 1-888-644-4390
(formerly ROSMY) is dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish.
Offers community resources, information, youth leadership training
Equality Virginia
Equality Virginia is the leading statewide, non-partisan advocacy, outreach and education organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians. EV believes in a truly inclusive Commonwealth where all are equally welcomed and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Offers a long list of resources and organizations across Virginia; information about Virginia law and LGBTQ.
Group Counseling/Support Groups
Empowerment Therapy Center, etc
empowerment-therapy-center.com/
9720 Capital Ct Suite 303, Manassas, Virginia 20110
571-366-9770 x700
Phone: 1-833-ETC-LIFE (1-833-382-5433) | Email: info@empowermentmail.com
Confidence-Building Empowerment Program
These ongoing, supportive, therapy groups are aimed at accomplishing the following therapeutic goals for children, adolescents, and young adults:
- Build self-esteem and confidence in a positive environment.
- Learn skills to enhance assertiveness and positive social interactions.
- Reduce anxiety and increase resilience.
- Learn and identify individual needs and positive qualities.
- Develop greater self-awareness, problem solving skills, and coping skills to feel more EMPOWERED in difficult life situations.
Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem
Email Brooke Utley about this group or call – (571) 366-9770 x700
Late Adolescence / Young Adult Transition Group
Juniors & Seniors in High School, as well as Young Adults experience unique stressors when compared with other age groups. These youths are trying to determine who they are, who they want to be, make big life-changing decisions, and adjust to adulthood. Due to the stressful nature of this stage in life, group therapy can be very beneficial for guidance, support, validation, self-exploration, and the development of skills that are needed throughout one’s lifetime.
Issues: Anxiety, Coping Skills, Life Transitions
Email Brooke Utley about this group or call – (571) 366-9770 x700
Treatment Centers
Prosperity Wellness
703-466-5150 NOVA
434-326-4577 Centerville
1-800-863-7224 toll free
Treatment Center for eating disorders. Website has links to helpful podcasts, articles and resources for families.
Thriveworks
thriveworks.com/fredericksburg
701 Kenmore Ave Suite 105, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406
Treatment Center for a variety of concerns. Inpatient, outpatient and phone counseling available
Center For Discovery McLean
centerfordiscoverymcleanva.com/
Call Dr. Rachel Wood 703-952-3426
5949 Oakdale Road, McLean, Virginia 22101
Specialties: Eating Disorders; Behavioral Issues; Self Esteem
My Recovery Center
9853 Business Way, Manassas, VA 20111
13601 Office Pl. Ste. 201, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Outpatient programs; Relapse prevention; Sober living; NA/AA/12 step meetings; Alcohol and drug testing
Sandstone Care
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Teen specific care
Choices Outpatient Program
dominionhospital.com/service/choices-outpatient-services
6565 Arlington Blvd, 1st Floor, Falls Church, Virginia 22042
703-854-9160 Intake Department
Choices Adolescent Program
14501 George Carter Way, Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Choices Adolescent IOP program offers and intermediate level of care for adolescents and their families in need of more intensive services than outpatient therapy alone, but that do not warrant inpatient treatment. School Issues , Self-Harming , Anger Management , Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Peer Relationships, Transgender, LGBTQ
Prince William Family Counseling
8140 Ashton Ave #200, Manassas, VA 20109
Family Insight, Manassas
familyinsight.net/location/manassas-va/
Our Manassas office proudly offers community-based counseling services in the Northern Virginia region, specializing in the treatment of a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders. We also serve children with Autism through our Behavioral Therapy (ABA) services.
Employment
PWC Career Resource Center
703-792-4347 Woodbridge
703-792-4090 Manassas
Virginia Employment Center (& unemployment)
Job Corps
Legal Assistance
Legal Aid
Lawyer Referral
1-800-552-7977 – or – 1-800-610-7563
Mediation
Office of Dispute Resolution
Landlord/tenant, employee/employer, parent/teen conflicts
Financial Education
1-888-845-5669 Consumer Credit Counseling , 24 hours a day
