San Diego Teens Are Getting a Mental Health Resource Fair of Their Own

When navigating the threshold of adulthood, young people are routinely met with heavy, life-altering questions about their lives post-graduation. For many high schoolers and young adults, the constant pressure to have everything mapped out can feel suffocating, especially at an age when identity and purpose are still actively taking shape.

Recognizing this reality, San Diego nonprofit Mental Wellness for Artists (MWA) is shifting the focus of its third annual Mental Wellness for Artists Resource Fair at the Mingei International Museum on Monday, September 28 toward local teens and young adults.

"One thing I noticed is that for my teen children, family and friends would ask, 'So, what are you doing after high school? What are your plans?'" shares Blanca Lucia Bergman, the founder of Mental Wellness for Artists. "And once they're in college, the question becomes, 'What are you doing with the rest of your life? What career or field are you pursuing?' That is a lot to put on a young person when oftentimes people in their 30s and even 40s don't have clarity about their direction in life."

Rather than allowing young creatives to navigate these pressures in isolation, MWA is stepping in to offer community, clarity, and vital care.

Mental Wellness for Artists first launched in 2022 as an Instagram-based resource hub before expanding into interactive museum pop-ups, workshops, and signature events. Over the past three years, MWA has built strong collaborative bridges across San Diego County, uniting creative platforms like Smak Art Academy and Joseph Henseler with leading healthcare institutions.

Through these partnerships, the annual fair connects individuals directly with established organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego & Imperial Counties, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and the San Diego American Indian Health Center, as well as specialized therapists who understand the deep interplay between creative expression and emotional well-being.

"I wanted to do what I could to extend quality resources to this [younger] demographic so that they feel empowered and know where to turn when life becomes overwhelming or heavy," says Bergman. "MWA happens to have access to some of the best resources in town... from affordable mental healthcare to leaders who understand the mental health benefits of the arts."

While previous resource fairs catered largely to adults, this year’s gathering inside the Mingei International Museum’s Commons Theater has been reimagined around interactive, youth-centric experiences. Guests entering the space will be welcomed with an ice cream sundae social, hands-on sculpture workshops, and a boutique offering free clothing, shoes, and accessories.

The evening will feature a student-led panel moderated by Bergman's daughter, who is also the president of her school’s mental health club. The students will lead the attendees in an open conversation exploring the real-world mental health concerns, coping strategies, and daily experiences of modern teens. Beyond open dialogue, Bergman, who brings a background in cognitive science, plans to equip young participants with a practical framework known as PVVMG (Purpose, Values, Vision, Mission, and Goals) to help them ground their choices in personal values rather than external pressures.

"How I wish someone had talked to me about that early in my life, because it would have saved me substantial time, money, and heartache," Bergman shares. "When we don't live by our values, we often experience things like depression, anxiety, or cognitive dissonance. Once these elements are on paper, I feel very confident that the trajectory of their lives can be guided by their values rather than what's being communicated on social media."

Photo Credit: Mingei International Museum

The Resource Fair represents just one step in MWA’s long-term vision to expand mental health education directly into local high schools, fostering environments where active listening and validation take center stage. Ultimately, the event serves as both a haven for resources and a celebration of the resilience, leadership, and artistry of San Diego's youth.

"I just want to extend my admiration to our youth and say how proud I am of what I've seen in our community—their abilities, their kindness, their volunteerism, and their leadership," says Bergman.

Mental Wellness for Artists Youth Resource Fair
Monday, September 28, 5:00-8:00pm
Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park

The event is free for teens, parents and caregivers to attend. RSVP on Eventbrite to save your spot.

Follow @mentalwellnessforartists on Instagram for more information.