Some city school kids struggling with mental health issues can now find help at their fingertips.
The city's first lady, Chirlane McCray, helped launch a new program—NYC Teen Text.
She was joined by her daughter, Chiara de Blasio, who has been open about her own struggles with depression.
Students at the 10 schools in the pilot program can reach a counselor by texting "NYC Teen" to 65173.
"Our goal is to reach teens where they are, and where they are is on their phones. As any teenager or parent can tell you, texting is the primary mode of communication for young people these days," McCray said.
"Many New York teenagers aren't yet ready to speak their pain aloud, but they might be ready to talk-text somebody who can help," said Chiara de Blasio.
If the pilot program is successful, it will be extended to all public high schools citywide.
A recent survey of city public high school students showed 27 percent reported feeling sad or hopeless every day, but only 18 percent got help from a counselor.
For more information, go online to nyc.gov/teen.