School-Based Initiative Empowers Youth Mental Health

For the past three years, Hyundai and AltaMed have been close partners in building healthier communities for underserved communities across Los Angeles.

On the wall of Ánimo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School’s counseling office is a large blue poster asking, “What makes you happy to be alive?” On it, students share responses in little heart-shaped notes listing things from music, art, and video games to family, friends, and pets.

“I create a safe and comfortable environment for my students to open up by taking the time to build rapport with them,” explains AltaMed school-based social worker Jasmine Torres-Coss, who is responsible for this innovative tool. Jasmine sees students at several partner schools in Los Angeles.

“It is important to understand what the student needs at that moment to make them feel safe and heard.” The “happiness” poster is only one example of the growing openness to topics like mental health and is a part of Ánimo Ellen Ochoa’s efforts to support school-based behavioral health interventions in partnership with AltaMed’s School-Based Behavioral Health Program and funders like Hyundai.

With support from an on-campus therapist, students have the tools to manage feelings of anxiety and depression. Activities during these sessions can include art therapy and guided breathing. School-based staff also offer parent workshops and participate in events to promote youth mental health and reduce stigma on school campuses.

As the demand for youth behavioral health resources increases, AltaMed and Hyundai are leading the way in developing a new generation of mental health solutions designed to equip young minds with the tools they need to thrive.

Data from the CDC shows that nearly one in five young people experience mental health struggles, yet many lack access to adequate support or face barriers due to their insurance status. The goal of the AltaMed School-Based Behavioral Health program is to remove barriers to finding qualified therapists and to facilitate the process of finding long-term support.

In 2024 alone, 31% of all students who were receiving counseling sessions were uninsured. As partners for health equity, AltaMed and Hyundai are committed to providing these resources to underserved communities, ensuring no one is overlooked.

Thanks to funding by Hyundai, in 2024, schools were able to provide two parent workshops, 516 therapy visits to 102 students, and refer 42 students to care at their local AltaMed clinic.

Since the AltaMed School-Based Behavioral Health began in 2022, therapists have provided 3,338 counseling sessions to students.

AltaMed Foundation

2040 Camfield Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040

[email protected] | (323) 889-7845