Mental Health Challenges | OnTrackNY

When mental health challenges arise, it can be confusing and overwhelming for the person having those experiences and for the people who care about them. Sometimes shifts in mental health make it difficult for your family member or friend to focus on the things that really matter to them, like their relationships with family and friends and their goals for school or work.

There's hope. There's help. There's a community.

-Sister

OnTrackNY participant

When to reach out to OnTrackNY

OnTrackNY teams support New Yorkers ages 16-30 (at the time of enrollment) impacted by unexpected changes in thinking and perceptions. These changes, sometimes referred to as psychosis, are unique to each individual but there are a few common experiences.

Unusual thoughts, feelings, or beliefs, such as:

Believing that things in their environment have special meaning
Believing that others can read their mind or know what they are thinking
Feeling suspicious, or thinking others are trying to harm them

Sensory or perceptual changes, such as:

Hearing or seeing things that others do not, such as voices, shadows, or images
Expressing confusion about whether events are real or imaginary
Feeling that others can hear their thoughts

Social withdrawal or cognitive challenges, such as:

Withdrawing from and avoiding social activities, friends, or family members
Losing interest in previous activities or hobbies
New difficulties with listening, concentrating, or memory
Difficulty organizing thoughts or finding the right words

If you know someone who can relate to the above experiences or if you're unsure about next steps, OnTrackNY teams are available to help you understand if OnTrackNY may be the right fit and navigate appropriate care options if not.

Find your team, learn more about OnTrackNY services, or get tips for supporting your family member or friend.

Find a team near you Learn about OnTrackNY Discover how you can offer support

She told me I think this [OnTrackNY] is the best choice for her, and it [was], and it changed my life. ....whatever we need, they are there for us.

- Jimena Parent of OnTrackNY Participant

Resources for support

Find resources & stories to help you navigate supporting your family member or friend.

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

My story: The rhythm of recovery (Drew's Family)

My story: The rhythm of recovery (Drew's Family)

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

Shared Decision Making from the perspectives of young people of color in OnTrackNY

Shared Decision Making from the perspectives of young people of color in OnTrackNY

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

Using Shared Decision Making with Young People/Families of Color in OnTrackNY

Using Shared Decision Making with Young People/Families of Color in OnTrackNY

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

My story: Shifting cultural norms (Jimena, Sheinn’s mom)

My story: Shifting cultural norms (Jimena, Sheinn’s mom)

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

My story: Finding harmony (Sebastian)

My story: Finding harmony (Sebastian)

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

My story: Drawing the path to acceptance (Anna)

My story: Drawing the path to acceptance (Anna)

Video Watch the Video Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

My story: My role as Mom (Maggie's mom)

My story: My role as Mom (Maggie's mom)

Article Read the Article Resources for families & friends Resources for teens & young adults

What matters most: Young People in recovery

What matters most: Young People in recovery

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Find a team near you

OnTrackNY teams support teens & young adults experiencing mental health changes across New York state.

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Learn about OnTrackNY

Get familiar with OnTrackNY by learning about our services, our mission, and more.

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Have questions?

View answers to common questions we hear from families about joining OnTrackNY.

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Need help now?

This website is not monitored 24/7 and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call or text 988.

Or, view free resources for immediate support.

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