WELLNESS & PREVENTION: Allcove San Juan Capistrano Set to Open This Summer

In the Capistrano Unified School District, alarming statistics signal a growing mental health crisis among adolescents. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey for the 2023-2024 academic year, 23% of seventh graders reported experiencing feelings of sadness or helplessness nearly daily for two consecutive weeks, a figure that rises to 28% by the time students reach the 11th grade. These statistics raise urgent questions concerning the availability of mental health resources tailored to the needs of young individuals in the community.

Experts and educators suggest numerous factors may contribute to this increase in mental health challenges among youth. The omnipresence of smartphones, lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, intense academic and social pressures, and overscheduling of extracurricular activities are among the pivotal concerns highlighted by mental health professionals. Regardless of the underlying causes, one consensus remains: there is a critical shortage of accessible and welcoming spaces where youth can receive the support they need.

In response to this urgent need, the Wellness & Prevention Center launched an initiative in 2016, engaging local teens to discuss what kind of support would be beneficial for their mental health. This led to a series of Youth Leadership Summits, where participants advocated for the establishment of a youth drop-in center. Their request was not merely for physical space but for a supportive community where they could connect with peers and access essential services—a vision they actively participated in shaping.

Simultaneously, Stanford University’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry initiated the allcove project, an integrated care center model designed for youth aged 12 to 25, providing an array of mental health, physical health, educational, and peer support services. Following the success of the initial allcove site in Palo Alto, the California legislature allocated funds to replicate this model statewide. Inspired by feedback from local youth, the Wellness & Prevention Center partnered with the University of California, Irvine’s School of Human Ecology to propose an allcove center in Orange County.

Commencing operations this summer, allcove San Juan Capistrano aims to provide comprehensive support to youth within the 12–25 age range. The center will offer a variety of services, including mental health counseling, physical health care, academic assistance, and crucial peer connections. Importantly, the design and development of the center have been substantially influenced by the ideas and preferences of the Youth Advisory Group, ensuring that it truly reflects the community’s needs.

Funded through various sources, including CalOptima and the Behavioral Health Services Act, the allcove initiative represents a collaborative effort aimed at providing youth with the support they deserve. The Wellness & Prevention Center is currently launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising 0,000 over the next 120 days to finalize the construction of the facility. Every contribution will play a significant role in translating this vision into reality.

For those interested in supporting this vital initiative, donations can be made through the Wellness & Prevention Center’s fundraising page. Together, the community has an opportunity to demonstrate to its youth that they are seen, heard, and supported during these challenging times.

For inquiries or to arrange a tour of the new center, interested parties are encouraged to reach out via email at allcove@wpc-oc.org.

Susan Parmelee, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center, advocates for the importance of community involvement in fostering youth resilience and mental health. More information can be found at wpc-oc.org.