our missionto makelifea skill formental health
My Friend is a research-guided nonprofit dedicated to advancing mental health literacy and emotional intelligence in young people.
Our work is grounded in cutting-edge research, grassroots education, and direct support of treatment. We help young people build the skills to manage stress, navigate pressures, and thrive through uncertainty.
Experience guides us. Prevention drives us.
My Friend was founded by The Dorm, drawing on 17+ years of experience helping young adults navigate mental health challenges and build sustained independence.
In that time, we've seen the impact of not laying the emotional groundwork early:
Less emotional awareness and understanding
Greater difficulty navigating everyday challenges and pressures
Fear of judgement from peers, family, and community
My Friend strengthens the people, communities, and protective factors around young people, giving them the skills, support, and shared language to build resilience, navigate challenges, and ask for help when they need it.
Grounded in research. Built for real life.
Our team brings years of firsthand experience and research together to identify and strengthen the resilience skills and protective factors that help young people navigate life’s challenges before distress escalates into crisis.
3,127+
10,000+
young adults
supported
surveys
completed
48
17+
publications
& presentations
years hands-on
support
