Allcove Mental Health Center, a place providing initiatives for young people grappling with mental health, was recently opened in San Mateo. The Center invests in multiple programs designed to provide services for youth voices to not only be heard but valued. 

Allcove hosted a soft launch earlier this year on Jan. 22, with plans for a grand opening in the next few months. As the Allcove Mental Health Center gains recognition, the goal is to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in San Mateo and beyond. 

Sidney Lee, a peer specialist at Allcove, runs a multitude of responsibilities in the center. He’s at the forefront of outreach — spreading awareness through flyers and holding table events about the center in different high school and college communities. 

“We provide a safe container for people to just be heard,” Lee said “I feel like a lot of people don’t take youths seriously in this world. And what’s really special about Allcove is that your voice is heard.”

But Lee’s role goes beyond spreading awareness. As a peer specialist, Lee brings lived experiences with mental health challenges to the table, offering a unique perspective of understanding and empathy.

“I have the honor of sharing some of my personal experiences with people who may be struggling with similar things. We don’t make them feel like they’re alone or that it’s abnormal, because like I’ve been through it too,” Lee explains. 

 The Youth Advisory Group, composed of young individuals aged 16 to 25, plays a pivotal role in shaping the center’s goals and initiatives. 

“Everything here at Allcove was chosen by the Youth Advisory from furniture, staff, program ideas and the color palette,” Lee said.

Marc Rappaport, the Clinical Director of Allcove, believes the most impactful aspect of the center is their commitment to community engagement.

“We open the area up for community events,” Rappaport said. 

Rappaport cited movie nights, workshops and art therapy as activities offered at Allcove aimed at fostering connection and support among youth.

Going forward, Rappaport’s main goal is for Allcove to become a go-to resource for youth in need of assistance.

“I want us to be a household name,” Rappaport said. 

However the center evolves in the future, Lee ensures Alcove will always be a safe environment. 

“My overall goal is to make you feel heard… Youths are very intuitive and intelligent,” Lee said. “We need to listen to them.”