Last week, we welcomed 12 youth-serving professionals from across SoCal for our LA Train-the-Trainer cohort. Participants built the skills and confidence to facilitate our Core Training and help more youth-serving adults support youth through honest, relationship-centered conversations.

Open Doors VIRTUAL Core Training is here! Youth-serving adults across California are invited to join us in building practical skills to engage young people in conversations about substance use + other behavioral health concerns. SIGN UP: opendoorstraining.org/virtual-laun

Cultural humility asks us to pause before assuming we understand someone’s experience. It’s a commitment to ongoing learning, self-reflection & recognizing the power dynamics that shape our interactions. When we lead with curiosity instead of assumptions, we make space for stronger relationships.

We recently hosted a regional training in Lake County. Participants included educators, public health professionals, peer support specialists & more. At the end of the day, an attendee said, “We’re thankful for Open Doors coming to our community, where resources are limited. It makes a difference!”

We’re often taught that supporting young people means having the right answers—but what matters most isn’t what we say; it’s how we listen. When we slow down, stay curious, & asking questions, we create space for youth to share honestly & feel seen. And that’s where meaningful conversations begin.

Watch this short film by Open Doors Youth Council member Chaitanya Verma. It offers a powerful look into life with trichotillomania. “If you can relate, I hope you feel more seen… just know that you're never alone and recovery is possible.”

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re rethinking what it means to truly support young people… Because real support starts with connection. Trying to help isn’t always the same as being helpful. When we rush to fix, give advice, or minimize, we can unintentionally shut the conversation down.

This week, we facilitated a Core Training for Two Feathers Native American Family Services. The group supports youth through culturally grounded leadership and workforce development programs. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside those doing such meaningful work.

A new California bill, AB 1626, aims to provide mental health training for high school and youth sports coaches. Authored by California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, AB 1626 recognizes that the adults already in young people’s lives play a critical role in early support.

Curious about becoming an Open Doors facilitator but not quite ready to commit to the full training? Join our FREE one-hour virtual info session to learn about the Train-the-Trainer program and what it means to become a certified Community Facilitator.

 SIGN UP: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

At Open Doors, we believe young people deserve honest, non-judgmental conversations about substance use. That’s why we appreciate resources like "Safety First: Drug Education for Teens" from @drugpolicy.org. This free, evidence-based curriculum shares a similar approach to Open Doors.

Most mental health challenges don’t start in adulthood; they begin much earlier. Adolescence is a critical time for development, identity, and emotional growth. It’s also when many young people navigate stress, change, and new experiences all at once. How we show up during this time matters.

Strong relationships create space for real conversations. When young people feel respected and understood, they are more likely to share what they’re going through. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/ #TraumaInformed #SubstanceUse #BehavioralHealth #SocialWorker #HarmReduction

We recently led a training with the Catalyst Center’s apprenticeship cohort. The apprenticeship program supports emerging professionals entering the behavioral health field. From building trust to navigating conversations about substance use, this group brought curiosity & intention to the space.

Conversations around substance use don’t have to start with punishment or shame. When young people feel safe enough to be honest, everything shifts, and they’ll be more likely to ask for support. How we show up matters. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do is create a space for young people to share what they’re going through. For more tools to engage youth in honest conversations about substance use and other behavioral health concerns, visit opendoorstraining.org/.

We recently spent the day at CSU San Marcos training 15 staff from ACE Scholars Services and other student support programs. We explored how to have real conversations with students about substance use and other behavioral health concerns while remaining grounded in connection.

Our first reaction can shape whether a young person keeps talking or shuts down. Taking a moment to pause and respond thoughtfully can keep the conversation open. For more tools to support honest, meaningful conversations with youth, visit opendoorstraining.org/.

We often assume that if young people just knew the risks, they would make different choices… But behavior isn’t shaped by information alone.
 What makes a bigger difference? Trust. Connection. Conversations without judgment.

 When youth feel safe enough to talk openly, real change can begin.

We recently had the privilege of training the small but mighty group at Oroville City Elementary School District. Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with the tools to have non-judgmental conversations about substance use and other behavioral health concerns. Learn more: opendoorstraining.org/

Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build trust with young people, reduce stigma around substance use, and connect them with the support they need to thrive. We’re hosting a FREE in-person training in San Diego on June 1st. Register by May 1st: forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/respon...

We’ll take that as a glowing review! Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build real, judgment-free conversations with young people about substance use and other behavioral health concerns. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.

What does healing look like, and what do young people actually need from the adults around them? Eve Valdez, a member of our Youth Council, shares how her lived experience shapes her approach to supporting young people.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people to immediate mental health support, but not all experiences are the same. Our latest blog explores the “Press 3” option, which connects LGBTQ+ youth to specialized support, and what recent policy changes could mean for access to affirming care.

Last week, we hosted our first Train-the-Trainer cohort in Sacramento, preparing youth-serving adults to facilitate our core training in their communities. Grateful to partner w/ Catalyst Center + Community Solutions as we grow a network of facilitators centered on youth voice & harm reduction.

We had the privilege of training the incredible team at Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children's Services in Covina, CA. Through our core training, their staff explored how to engage youth in honest conversations about substance use and other behavioral health concerns with curiosity rather than judgment.

If support only exists when someone is “doing everything right,” is it really support? Harm reduction meets people where they are — because safety and dignity shouldn’t be conditional. #HarmReduction #TraumaInformed #BehavioralHealth

Not every sign means there’s a problem, but they can be invitations to check in. Paying attention to changes in behavior can help adults start supportive conversations early. #YouthVoice #TraumaInformed #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #SubstanceUse

We recently partnered with Santiago Canyon College for an Open Doors core training — where youth-serving adults get tools to engage young people in honest, non-judgmental conversations about substance use + other behavioral health issues. Thank you to SCC for showing up with authenticity and care.

Not every behavior tells the full story. Young people may use substances for many reasons — coping, curiosity, social connection, or something else entirely. When we lead with curiosity instead of assumptions, we create space for honest conversations.

The questions we ask matter. When we focus on understanding instead of blame, young people are more likely to open up. One small shift can change the entire conversation. #TraumaInformed #RestorativeJustice #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth

Open Doors trainings create space for youth-serving adults to explore new ways of supporting youth around substance use + other behavioral health issues. Thru conversation, reflection & shared learning, attendees leave with tools to bring to their communities. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.

Open Doors is tabling at CACFS’ #AdvocacyInAction2026 conference in Sacramento. This space is about more than policy; it’s about people. It’s about how we show up for youth with curiosity, care, and respect for their autonomy. If you’re here, come find us and say hi. We’d love to connect!

Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build trust with young people, reduce stigma around substance use, and connect them with the support they need to thrive. We’re hosting a FREE in-person training in Lake County, CA, on May 14th. Register by April 14th: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

We made our national conference debut at the ACRC Conference in Chicago, where we presented “Advancing Youth Autonomy & Equity in Youth-serving Systems." Grateful to be in community with folks who are rethinking how we support young people.

Harm reduction focuses on compassion, safety, and dignity. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/. #HarmReduction #TraumaInformed #RestorativeJustice #SubstanceUse

Understanding the “why” behind behavior opens the door to better conversations. #TraumaInformed #SubstanceAbuse #RestorativeJustice #HarmReduction

When the Open Doors training curriculum was first taking shape, the team faced a foundational question: Who belongs at the table? For Tia Cochran-Otis, Curriculum Development Lead for Open Doors, the answer was immediate: young people.

Meet Rebeca Chavez. She's a preschool teacher, a restorative justice circle facilitator, and now one of Open Doors' newest facilitators through our partner organization Community Solutions.

Supporting students starts with reflection. Staff from EOPS at @elcaminocollege.bsky.social recently joined an Open Doors training to explore cultural humility, restorative justice, and harm reduction — and how these approaches can strengthen the way they support students.

Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build trust, reduce stigma around substance use & connect young people with support. We’re hosting a FREE in-person training in LA, open to anyone who works with / supports youth. 📅 April 13 📌 LA Register by March 13: bit.ly/4rkMdnv

Open Doors recently trained staff from @elcaminocollege.bsky.social's EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services) — a team that helps community college students graduate & transfer to 4-year universities. The convo was rich, the vulnerability was real & they truly care about their students.

Axel Pecero is a youth advocate, a father, and a member of the Open Doors Youth Council. After nearly eight months of detention, he has made the painful decision to self-deport to a country he hasn't seen since he was 3 years old — leaving behind his 4-year-old son and a community that loves him.

Hearing directly from participants never gets old 💙 Kamali'i Foster Family Agency supports youth in foster care across Riverside & San Diego Counties. Their team of nearly 40 recently showed up to a training session with exactly the kind of passion + openness that makes this work meaningful.

We're celebrating #NationalSocialWorkMonth and the many contributions that Social Workers make to the health & wellness of individuals + communities. #SocialWork is a diverse, passion-driven, & rewarding profession. They work to create a lasting impact on the well-being of underserved communities.

This map tells quite a story! Each pin marks a place where we trained youth-serving adults to recognize & respond to substance use and behavioral health concerns in young people. Watch as 2026 locations start dropping... and there's still time to get involved! 🔗 opendoorstraining.org/training/

Congratulations to Oakland’s own Alysa Liu for winning the gold medal! Her reminder that access and inclusion of youth create opportunity. #youth #Olympics #Goldmetal #AlysaLiu #Oakland #Bayarea

Open Doors celebrates caregivers everywhere on National Caregiver Day!! Your labor of love makes the world a better place. #nationalcaregiverday #caregivers #love

World Day of Social Justice is a reminder of the importance of social justice in our communities and with our youth. And it is a commitment to action for us to continue to center equity, fairness, and impact in our professional and personal lives. #worlddayofsocialjustice #socialjustice #justice

FREE Train-the-Trainer opportunity! Learn to lead Open Doors trainings that help youth-serving professionals have stigma-free conversations with youth ages 12–25 about substance use & behavioral health. Gain materials, support & join a statewide network. APPLY NOW: form.asana.com?k=AxQQ6vAy-A...