Transforming Youth Mental Health in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, youth mental health is facing an alarming crisis.
children between the ages of 3 and 17 suffers from an emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder,
yet only 20% receive professional care. Factors such as hurricanes, earthquakes, economic hardship, and limited access to mental health services worsen the situation, increasing cases of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
While awareness of the importance of the holistic development of children and youth has grown in recent years, mental health remains one of the most neglected and underfunded areas within youth well-being.
Fields of Joy is working to change this reality by promoting awareness, education, and sustainable initiatives to support the mental health of children and young people in Puerto Rico.
This Impact Report highlights the path taken over the past two years, showcasing the milestones reached and the lives we've touched.
It also calls on allies, partners, and donors who share the vision of prioritizing the mental health of our children and youth to join Fields of Joy in this cause.
Your participation can make the difference between a generation defined by adversity and one empowered by well-being. Together, we are not only responding to a crisis — we are building a movement of care, resilience, and hope for Puerto Rico.
The Silent Crisis in Puerto Rico
Reported data from the Puerto Rico Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration ("ASSMCA" in spanish)
19.5%
of teenagers suffer from depression.
8.7%
experience anxiety.
17.2%
have had suicidal thoughts.
10.1%
have attempted suicide.
18.14%
of children and teens ages 3-17 have a diagnosed mental health disorder.
Only 20% of youth with mental health issues
receive adequate treatment.
Mental health disorders have significantly increased after the recent natural disasters and the pandemic.
Main diagnoses among minors under 18 according to ASSMCA
32%
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and comorbidities
15.5%
Trauma and stressor related disorders
11.4%
Impulse-control and conduct disorders
11.0%
Depressive disorders
Our Mission
At Fields of Joy Foundation, we work with a clear vision: We identify, connect, and empower initiatives that raise awareness, build knowledge, and drive change to promote the mental health of children and youth in Puerto Rico.
Our Impact
Interactive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Engaging online lessons designed to teach children how to recognize and identify core emotions and develop and strengthen emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Our measurable impact over the past 8 months:
(September 2024 - May 2025)
41,233
students actively engaged with the lessons
4,207
teachers accessed and utilized the content
168,427
virtual lessons completed across the island
33,401
Bullying Prevention lessons completed
28,806
Nonviolent Communication lessons completed
37,996
Responsible Use of Technology lessons completed
Youth Mental Health Specialist Network
In October 2024, Fields of Joy launched Puerto Rico's first free and accessible virtual directory.
Organized by municipality and specialty to ensure that every parent, guardian, or caregiver can easily find the mental health services available for children and teens.
684
registered mental health
professionals, including:
• Clinical psychologists
• Child and adolescent psychiatrists
• School psychologists
• Social workers
• Health educators
• Counselors
• Occupational therapists
• Speech and language pathologists
• Clinics and hospital facilities
• Primary Health Centers (330 Centers)
• Speech and language pathologists
• Clinics and hospital facilities
• Primary Health Centers (330 Centers)
Youth Mental Health Summit
In 2023 and 2024, Fields of Joy hosted the Puerto Rico Youth Mental Health Summit --- an event to educate, raise awareness, and provide practical tools to address the mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.
Due to the overwhelming success of our first event, we hosted a second summit---amplifying our message and expanding access to care by launching our Youth Mental Health Specialist Network.
503
mental health professionals trained in 2024
867
professionals reached in total (2023-2024)
96%
overall satisfaction
4.9/5.0
for presenter quality and topic relevance, as rated by participants
"This has been one of the best conferences I've ever attended. Excellent organization, commitment, and highly educational topics."
Participant, 2024 Summit
The Reach of Our Mental Health Awareness Message for Children and Youth:
18+
press articles and 5 television interviews
$110,000
in earned media value
48,500
visits to our conferences, exhibits, and networking spaces
38,100
Instagram followers across associated accounts
3.87
million people reached
THE POWER OF PREVENTION
• Reduces the need for intensive interventions later in life
• Offers a cost-effective, long-term solution
• Improves the overall quality of life for children and youth
• Helps prevent serious mental health issues in adulthood
YOUR SUPPORT CAN MULTIPLY OUR IMPACT
With your contribution, we can:
Develop and launch new virtual lessons in social-emotional learning (SEL)
Implement SEL programs in schools across Puerto Rico
Sustain and grow awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of youth mental health
Expand the reach and accessibility of our Youth Mental Health Specialist Network
Connect more mental health professionals through impactful events like the Youth Mental Health Summit, webinars, and virtual workshops
Join Our Mission
Every contribution---big or small---helps nurture the emotional well-being of children and youth across Puerto Rico. Your support doesn't just change lives; it builds a stronger, healthier, and more resilient generation prepared to face the future with confidence.
Invest in the mental health of our youth. Invest in Puerto Rico's future.