StarVista was a mental health resource that many teens attended to when they needed help. Without it, there’s a chance that some teens will struggle in silence. Recently on August 1, 2025, this resource was permanently closed in San Mateo, CA.
For many teens, StarVista was an important place to get help. It offered a safe space where young people could talk about mental health without feeling judged. Programs like suicide prevention and counseling were designed specifically for teens, helping them deal with stress, anxiety, and other difficult issues. It was a place where teens could speak openly about their struggles without feeling misunderstood by adults.
“When cuts are made to programs…I think a lot of people don’t take the time to think of the impact it has on because, because people either don’t care or they just don’t understand what kind of service that provides to, you know, the community,” said Justin Cottrell, Mills Health Education teacher.
The closing of StarVista means that teens will lose a place where they could talk to people who really understood them. The staff there were trained to help young people in a way that felt comfortable and familiar. Teens could get help with difficult topics, like suicide prevention, in a way that made sense to them, something many people struggle to do.
“I feel like StarVista was one of those groups that responded, you know, kids were able to respond to the way they presented things[…] I feel like that’s a big loss. When we lose a group like that, it’s never good, you know. And I’m hoping that people who are responsible, when they think about these cuts, like our lawmakers, that they understand the impact it has on young people,” Cottrell added.
Now that StarVista is gone, many teens will have a harder time finding the support that they need. For some, StarVista was the only place they felt comfortable reaching out for help. Without this resource, there’s a chance teens will struggle alone.
Losing a service like StarVista is especially difficult because there aren’t many places for teens to get mental health help in a way that makes sense to them. It’s not just about closing one program, it’s about taking away a lifeline for many young people who need it.
The closure of StarVista is a reminder of how important it is to have services that help teens with mental health in ways that they can relate to. As more and more young people struggle with mental health, losing a place like StarVista makes things even harder for them. The hope is that the community will find ways to fill the gap and continue supporting teens who need it most.