California is investing new funding through the LA Rises initiative to support youth mental health after devastating wildfires. The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) partnered with the Child Mind Institute to expand mental health resources for young survivors.

A key tool in this effort is Mirror, a journaling app designed specifically for teens and young people. The app helps users manage stress and anxiety through guided journaling prompts tailored to wildfire and disaster recovery. The prompts encourage reflection on emotions and coping strategies during crisis situations. Since launch, more than 4,500 youth have used Mirror to track their moods and find emotional support.

The app combines two evidence-based approaches. Journaling reduces anxiety by helping teens process difficult emotions on paper. Mood tracking gives young people visibility into their emotional patterns, which supports self-awareness and early identification of worsening mental health.

Wildfires create unique psychological challenges for young people. Teens may experience anxiety about future fires, grief over lost homes or community spaces, or trauma from evacuation experiences. Standard talk therapy sometimes doesn't reach teenagers who resist traditional counseling. Digital tools like Mirror meet youth where they already are—on their phones—and remove barriers like scheduling or transportation.

The LA Rises funding acknowledges that disaster recovery extends far beyond rebuilding infrastructure. Young people in affected areas need sustained mental health support through the months and years ahead. Research shows that early intervention after disasters prevents long-term mental health problems in adolescents.

Parents of wildfire survivors can encourage their teens to use journaling tools like Mirror as part of crisis response. These apps work best alongside other support systems—family conversations, school counseling, or professional therapy if needed. The free or low-cost nature of digital mental health tools makes them accessible to families regardless of insurance status or income.

Governor Newsom's announcement signals that California recognizes youth mental health as a recovery