Vibrant Emotional Health and NYU Silver School of Social Work Hold Inaugural “Our Vibe Check” Mental Health Festival
Media Contact:
Divendra Jaffar, AVP of Communications and Engagement
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Festival connected young people with trusted resources, behavioral health professionals, and community organizations to promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and strengthen mental health support
NEW YORK, NY (August 18, 2026) — Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), one of the nation’s leading mental health organizations, in partnership with the NYU Silver School of Social Work, brought together more than 200 youth, parents and caregivers, community partners, and volunteers for its inaugural “Our Vibe Check,” a free youth mental health festival held on July 27, at the NYU Kimmel Center.
Our Vibe Check was created to make mental health support more approachable and accessible, recognizing that while New York City offers a wide range of services, navigating available resources can be overwhelming for many youth and families. Designed as a welcoming, stigma-free space, the festival encouraged open conversations about mental health while bringing young people together with clinicians, peer advocates, educators, families, and community organizations. Our Vibe Check reflects the growing need for connection and early intervention, providing opportunities for young people to build trusted relationships, ask questions, and connect with support before reaching a crisis.
The need for these community-based spaces for young people is clear. According to the New York City Department of Health’s State Mental Health of New Yorkers report, 48% of New York City teens report experiencing mild to severe depressive symptoms, while many also report worrying about the future and their families. The same New York City report found that fewer than half of New Yorkers have someone they can count on for frequent emotional support, underscoring the importance of creating trusted spaces where young people can connect with peers, caring adults, and behavioral health resources.
Participants engaged in interactive wellness and creative activities, including allyship training, painting, yoga, creative writing, music, tai chi, and guided meditation. Attendees also engaged in discussions with behavioral health professionals and peers on issues affecting young people and families today. A Youth Panel placed young people at the center of the conversation, providing an opportunity to share their lived experiences and perspectives on mental health. During the “Ask a Clinician” panel, young people and families had an opportunity to engage in open dialogue with behavioral health experts about mental health, relationships, stress, seeking care, and navigating resources.
Moderated by Krystalyn Kass, Assistant Vice President, Center for Learning and Development at Vibrant Emotional Health, the Ask a Clinician panel featured Dr. Tia Dole, PhD, Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health; Dr. Jantra Coll, PsyD, Vice President, Community Programs at Vibrant Emotional Health; Dr. Tiffany Rodriquez, PsyD, Network Director of Psychology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi; and Dr. Anil Chacko, PhD, Department Chair, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, at NYU Steinhardt.
The festival also connected attendees with 40+ community organizations providing behavioral health, youth development, education, healthcare, housing, peer support, and other community-based services. Together, these organizations demonstrated that supporting young people’s mental health requires more than a single resource or point of intervention; it requires a connected community working together to ensure young people know where to turn for help.
“Our Vibe Check reflects Vibrant’s commitment to making mental health support more accessible, welcoming, and available before a crisis occurs. We wanted to create a joyful space where young people can come together, be themselves, build meaningful connections, and have honest conversations about mental health in an environment that feels positive and supportive,” said Dr. Cara A. McNulty, DPA, Chief Executive Officer of Vibrant Emotional Health. “At Vibrant, we know that connection can be a powerful part of prevention, and this festival brings that belief to life by bringing young people, families, professionals, and community organizations together. Through our work, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, community-based behavioral health services, youth-focused programming, and partnerships that expand access to care, we are working to create trusted pathways to support. Our Vibe Check is another opportunity to remind young people that they are not alone, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that mental health conversations can, and should, happen before a crisis.”
“Our Vibe Check was a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared commitment to young people and their mental health,” said Michael A. Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH, Dean of the NYU Silver School of Social Work. “We are proud to partner with Vibrant Emotional Health to bring young people, families, mental health professionals, and community organizations together for a day of connection, conversation, and support. It was especially meaningful to see young people engaging with one another, asking questions, and learning about resources available to them. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Vibrant and finding more ways to support young people and families in our communities.”
Sponsors who helped make the event possible include WestCX/Mosaicx, EmblemHealth, ClearTurn Consulting, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), and The Plant Library.
Our Vibe Check builds on Vibrant’s broader commitment to advancing mental health and suicide prevention through community-based programs, education, crisis services, research-informed initiatives, and partnerships that help people access support when and where they need it.
View the Our Vibe Check event recap video.
To learn more about Vibrant Emotional Health, visit www.vibrant.org.
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About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 55 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help millions of people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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