Throughout Orange County, many children and teens face mental health challenges that affect their relationships, school experiences, and daily lives. Recent research shows that approximately 150,000 children in Orange County may be experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, but only about one-third receive the care they need. At Western Youth Services, we believe every child deserves access to compassionate, effective resources that help them feel supported and understood.
Emotions can be difficult to put into words. For children and teens navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or other challenges, talking about what they are experiencing can feel overwhelming, especially when they don’t know where to begin. Art creates another way to communicate. A drawing, painting, or creative project can provide a safe outlet to express emotions, process experiences, and share parts of their story.
The connection between creativity and emotional well-being is why art therapy is an important part of the care provided at Western Youth Services. Children and teens can better understand their emotions, practice self-expression, and develop tools to manage life’s challenges through creative activities.
The Connection Between Art and Youth Mental Health
Art therapy is much more than just creating something. Research shows that creative activities can promote mental wellness by helping individuals manage stress, express emotions, and develop coping skills. A 2023 review of research on art therapy found that creative interventions may positively impact psychological well-being, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
For children and teens navigating trauma, loss, or other difficult experiences, art can provide a sense of safety and control. Research from Art for Healing found that creative expression can positively impact self-esteem, communication, and emotional resilience. Art gives children another way to process their thoughts and feelings when it feels too intimidating to do so on their own.
The National Endowment for the Arts also recognizes the connection between arts participation and health, highlighting how creative activities can contribute to mental health, social connection, and overall well-being. Research has shown that engaging in art can activate areas of the brain connected to emotion, memory, and reward, which may support healing and resilience.
Bringing the Healing Power of Art to Orange County Youth
At Western Youth Services, art is one of the many tools clinicians use to guide children, teens, and families throughout their mental health journeys. A blank page, a paintbrush, or a craft can become a way for a child to express themselves, explore their emotions, and feel connected during therapy.
For the past 10 years, the Western Youth Services Art Drive has brought the community together to provide children and teens with creative tools they can use during their therapy sessions. This August, we’re continuing that tradition with our 10th Annual Art Drive and working towards a goal of creating 300 art kits filled with supplies that will be distributed to WYS clinics throughout Orange County.
Every $10 donation can help provide one art kit for one child.
How You Can Make a Difference
The Art Drive is made possible through the generosity of our community. We will be accepting donations from August 1st to 31st, 2026. You can support the Art Drive by:
- Donating new, unopened art supplies at our Corporate Office: 23461 South Pointe Drive, Suite 220, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Making a donation through our website by selecting Art Drive as the project destination
- Purchasing needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist (coming soon)
- Spreading the word about the Art Drive and its mission with friends, family, and other community members
- Volunteering during our Art Drive volunteer day on Thursday, September 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide children and teens with creative tools that encourage self-expression and support their emotional growth.
Donate today and join us in making art supplies available to children and teens across Orange County. With this Art Drive, we can help ensure more children and teens have access to resources that allow them to feel heard, supported and connected.
Looking for more information or interested in volunteering? Please contact development@westernyouthservices.org.
Sources
- https://www.oc-cf.org/confronting-the-youth-mental-health-crisis-in-orange-county-keynote-by-d-heather-huszti/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10763059/
- https://art4healing.org/reports/special-report-on-art-and-troubled-youth/
- https://www.arts.gov/impact/arts-and-health
- https://www.americanscientist.org/article/how-art-can-heal
