About Us

It all started with a simple group chat of five teens, all grappling with the pressures of high school and eager to make a difference. Between 5-page english papers, taking care of siblings, and balancing sports and a social life, we realized that mental health was a shared struggle in all aspescts of teen life. Yet, it was still rarely talked about openly among our peers. So, we reached out to local mental health professionals, asking them to connect with teens at our school, hoping to start a conversation about the stress we all faced. That small initiative sparked something bigger than we could have imagined.

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Hi there! We’re Address Teen Stress (ATS), a mental health initiative created by teens, for teens, with the mission of bringing awareness to the stress we face. We chose this topic because it’s not just prevalent—it’s personal. As high school students ourselves, we’ve lived through the highs and lows, and we understand how overwhelming these years can be. Our goal isn’t just to start a conversation about what teens face every day but to offer resources, support, and a sense of community to help navigate these crucial years.

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What began as a small idea in one high school has grown into a global nonprofit connecting teens from the West to the East. Today, ATS is a community of over 1,000 teens, with our resources and programs reaching more than 60,000 adolescents worldwide. From peer support circles and leadership training to advocacy projects and mental health workshops, we’re here to empower teens to take charge of their well-being and support others in doing the same.

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Because mental health isn’t just a conversation; it’s a movement. And at ATS, we’re proving that together, we can make the tough years a little brighter—for ourselves and for teens everywhere.