Atlanta, GA, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The city of Atlanta has introduced the ‘Talk It Out’ initiative designed to enhance mental health support for students in Atlanta Public Schools. This program allows middle and high school students to confidentially connect with licensed mental health professionals via a 24/7 text line. The initiative aims to address the growing mental health concerns among youth, as noted by students advocating for better support systems in their schools. A related event scheduled at Morehouse College will further foster discussions on mental health in community spaces.
Atlanta’s “Talk It Out” Initiative Aims to Support Student Mental Health
The city of Atlanta is launching a new resource called “Talk It Out” to enhance mental health support for its students within Atlanta Public Schools (APS). This initiative will allow middle and high school students to connect with licensed mental health professionals through a confidential text line, available 24/7. The program is a response to the growing recognition of mental health issues among youth, a concern voiced by students themselves regarding the need for stronger support systems in schools.
An important event, “The Beard Guyz and Van Der Hagen Barbershop Takeover”, is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 17, at Morehouse College. This event highlights the barbershop as a trusted space, particularly for men, to express their feelings comfortably. According to Broderick McBride, a mental health specialist, discussions around mental health are crucial, especially in environments like barbershops that foster open dialogue.
The “Talk It Out” program is already making strides; every APS student now has access to counseling. Parents are encouraged to support their children by texting “ATLANTA” to 1-844-935-0933 to connect with a counselor. This proactive step is essential for students like Siara White, a seventh grader at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, who has openly shared her struggles with depression and bullying linked to her race. White emphasizes the necessity of having a licensed professional to talk to rather than relying solely on family.
Concerns about mental health care are not limited to students. Families in Georgia advocate for better improvements in the mental health care system after facing difficulties with hospital visits and inadequate care. Victoria Harris, a 25-year-old pregnant woman with schizoaffective disorder, exemplifies the challenges many encounter. Her family has struggled with the cycle of crisis, stabilization, and discharge from various hospitals. This situation underscores the need for legislative changes to enhance mental health standards in the state.
The Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Kevin Tanner, has recognized these inadequacies. The burden of post-stabilization care frequently falls on local jails, which are not equipped for such services. Discussions surrounding legislative changes aim to lower the criteria for mental health holds, aligning Georgia’s policies with those in other states.
Additionally, the “Aging in Atlanta” community event held at Crowne Plaza Atlanta focused on health and wellness for seniors. It was sponsored by Kroger and Kaiser Permanente, featuring health professionals who provided information on vaccines, mental health signs, and Medicare. Event highlights included performances by “Stayin’ Alive Crew,” a group of seniors over 50, engaging attendees on health management and cognitive function.
In summary, Atlanta’s “Talk It Out” initiative presents a significant step forward for student mental health, reflecting the community’s commitment to addressing these challenges. By enabling students to reach out for help discreetly, the initiative aims to create a more supportive environment for mental well-being among its youth.
FAQ
What is the “Talk It Out” program?
“Talk It Out” is a new resource being introduced in Atlanta Public Schools to support student mental health, allowing middle and high school students to connect with licensed mental health professionals via a confidential text line, available 24/7.
When is the “The Beard Guyz and Van Der Hagen Barbershop Takeover” event scheduled?
The event is scheduled for Friday, October 17, at Morehouse College.
What should parents do to help their children access counseling through “Talk It Out”?
Parents can encourage their children to text “ATLANTA” to 1-844-935-0933 to connect with a counselor.
What issues regarding mental health care are being raised by families in Georgia?
Families in Georgia are advocating for improvements in the mental health care system after experiencing struggles with hospital visits and insufficient care.
Key Features of the “Talk It Out” Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Confidential Text Line | Available 24/7 for APS students to connect with licensed mental health professionals. |
| Community Engagement | Events like “The Beard Guyz and Van Der Hagen Barbershop Takeover” foster open discussion about mental health. |
| Accessibility | Every APS student has access to counseling services. |
| Family Support | Parents are encouraged to facilitate access to counseling by texting a dedicated number. |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Talk It Out Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- 11Alive: World Mental Health Day
- Google Search: Mental Health
- WSB TV: Georgia Family Calls for Change in Mental Health System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- Georgia Recorder: Advocates for Mental Health Parity Law
- Google News: Georgia Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
