Adolescent Wellness Resources
Whole Person Wellness
This page provides resources you may need as you navigate your obesity treatment.
We understand that navigating this care can be challenging and that it may take time to see progress. But remember, you have support as you explore what better health can look like for you.
Let’s get healthier — Together.
Click the image or scroll down to read more about current research on adolescent obesity treatment.
Click the image to learn how to find a mental health provider in your area.
Click the image to learn more about options for adding intentional movement to your lifestyle.
Research on Obesity and Impacts on Black Girl Wellness
Resources for your Mental Health & Wellness
Accessing Mental Health Support
You may or may not have already experienced challenges around your obesity, including weight stigma, racial bias, bullying, chronic stress, and social pressures that can contribute to anxiety, depression, emotional eating, low self-esteem, or disengagement from care.
Connecting to mental or behavioral health services may be beneficial to help you:
1. Improve your relationship with food
2. Improve your body image & self-confidence
3. Decrease symptoms of depression or anxiety
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Click the Printable PDF below with the common types of therapists, steps to follow /questions to consider to help you identify a qualified mental health treatment provider.
Therapy For Black Girls
You may look for emotional support on this journey. Below is a valuable resource for finding therapy for Black women and girls. Therapy for Black Girls is designed specifically to help Black females.
It was created by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, speaker, and the host of the mental health podcast of the same name. Her work focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women, often using current pop culture to illustrate concepts.
The Loveland Foundation
The Loveland Foundation is a non-profit organization that covers the cost of therapy (about 4 - 12 sessions) for women and girls in the Black community.
This organization provides mental health resources and invests in the professional development of BIPOC therapists.
Click below to visit the LoveLand Foundation website to learn more about how they are reimagining our mental health care system to make it accessible to Black women.
Mental Health Provider Search
While finding a culturally-sensitive mental health provider from the same background may be preferred or even ideal for many families, it can present with challenges due to shortages in BIPOC mental health providers in the field or your area.
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For finding a therapist, see the links below for:
1. Psychologytoday.com, a major search engine for mental health providers, and
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2. A printable PDF you or your caregiver can use to find a mental health provider.
Resources for Teen Physical & Community Wellness
Recreational Activities for Teens in New Jersey
Recognize that adding intentional movement to your daily routine increases your chances of making long-term changes.
The New Jersey Government (NJ.gov) site provides examples of after-school programs, interscholastic and intramural sport programs, walking and biking programs, and walk-to-school efforts available to students across NJ.
Black Community Resources for Patients
Positive outcomes in obesity treatment as a Black teen girl should include addressing mental health, family relationships, and your cultural identity.
Click below for a Printable PDF listing community organizations that support Black community wellness through education, events, and other programming.
Helping Patients Find Physical Activities
Finding accessible, low- or no-cost recreational spaces or activities for your fitness journey can be difficult, but not impossible.
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Click below for a Printable PDF you can reference to help locate free or low-cost gyms, recreation centers, and sports/club programs for youth in New Jersey (some programs available nationwide).
Clothing Resources
Finding the clothing to look and feel our best is important. You are in a period of adolescent development marked by identity exploration. It is important to find clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident to manage your health.
Click below to see a Printable PDF including a list of​plus-sized inclusive brands for underwear, clothing, and shoes.