Community Health & Wellbeing

Find a variety of wellness resources to uplift our whole community, reflecting the City Council's 2025 priority focused on public safety, wellness, and belonging. We continue to share wellness resources to combat the United States Surgeon General's 2023 advisory raising awareness of the Loneliness Epidemic. In recognition of National Wellness Month, this community blog is another tool to find resources. A recent community update also shares resources available to support you, youth, and community members experiencing loss and grief.

Need Help Now?

Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8

The Palo Alto Police Department stands ready to assist and respond to any calls for help. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 9–8–8
Individuals facing a mental health or substance use crisis can reach the County's Trusted Response Urgent Support Team by calling (800) 704-0900 and pressing 1, or by calling/texting 9–8–8 from local 408, 650, and 669 area codes
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1(800) 799-7233, or TTY 1(800) 787-3224 for those with hearing or speech impediments
In case of a disaster, visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1(800) 985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Youth Wellness

Support and programs for teen mental health.

allcove provides non-urgent mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25. Located at 2741 Middlefield Road, Suite 102 and open Monday through Friday, 10 am–7 pm.
Palo Alto Link offers free rides for teens (13-18 years old) to specific Palo Alto destinations supporting teen mental health and wellbeing.
The Children's Health Council is a local organization offering Teen Therapy Services, including a free 30 minute consultation for teens and family counseling services.
Project Safety Net (PSN) mobilizes community support and resources in Palo Alto for youth suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Check out additional hotlines, helplines, and safelines for teens.

Substance Use Resources

Join the Santa Clara County Area's Alcoholics Anonymous for free meetings and membership to achieve sobriety.
Visit the local branch of Narcotics Anonymous for community support.

Unhoused Resources

Peninsula Healthcare Connection provides comprehensive healthcare services for unhoused or at-risk individuals in Santa Clara County, regardless of their ability to pay: call (650) 853-0321 or visit 33 Encina Avenue, #103, Palo Alto, CA 94301 from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Senior Wellness

Call the Avenidas Friendship Line for seniors at (650) 289-5400 for information, resources, support, or just a friendly voice.
2-1-1 Bay Area offers senior housing, senior ride programs, counseling, meal deliveries, and more.

Community Connections Blog Series

The City of Palo Alto provides high quality community services and programs to its residents through its many libraries, parks, community facilities, recreation programs, art and cultural centers, with special consideration for its vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and people with disabilities. The City also relies on other service providers and nonprofit partners to deliver and enhance community services. This new series celebrates our partners who are helping us build community and foster connectedness through the work they do on behalf of the City advancing the City Council’s 2025 priority Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging.

Other Online Resources

Meditation & Wellness

Check out advice from the Sleep Foundation on healthy sleep habits
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guide to Coping with Stress
Enjoy the soothing “meditOceans” produced by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring a guided meditation with beautiful views of the Bay and the Aquarium
Need a short break? Try the 10 minute meditations on the Daily Calm channel
Meditation for Anxiety - Yoga With Adriene - 15 Minute Meditation For Anxiety guides you through a simple at-home meditation to provide relief from anxiety, stress and energetic imbalance
For an introduction to mindfulness meditation specifically designed for use by patients in hospitals or those experiencing health-related difficulties, visit the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center for guided meditations
Short videos to practice mindfulness with kids

Fitness & Family Fun

City Services & Programs

Activities & Programs

View City sponsored activities and programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Calendar

View City of Palo Alto events and meetings.

Community Connections: Mental Health & Wellness Resources for All

Gain mental health and wellness resources to support a healthy community.

Online Resources

Stinky Tales is a new puppet crew sharing cute videos on timely topics, like washing your hands!
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has shared 11 historic sites and national treasures for you to explore virtually
12 activities to keep your kids’ minds and bodies moving
Curious about pilates? Try this playlist from the Well+Good channel
Ready for a sing along or a dance party? The internet radio platform iHeartradio has a collection of playlists perfect for getting energized through music
Check out these projects from The Artful Parent for some joyful artmaking activities
The Red Tricycle blog has plenty of good ideas for creative play

General Community Support

Sign up now for our weekly digital newsletter Uplift Local, offering ongoing support directly to your email inbox
Read a community blog post sharing resources for Wellness Month and beyond
Check out Zero Waste Living for tips to reduce waste in your life
Santa Clara County offers several COVID-19 resources, including financial assistance and food distribution