Spring for Support 2026
Dear Community,
My name is Douglas Styles, and I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) and to join this extraordinary community! Having spent over three decades working with young people and families in the Bay Area, I have seen firsthand how critical it is for adolescents to have safe spaces where they feel heard, understood, and supported.
The work of ACS is deeply personal to me. Adolescence can be a time of great struggle, but also one of creativity and possibility. As a young person, I found connection and healing through a theater group that helped me express and better understand my inner world. It was more than a social outlet - it was a space to explore complex topics like identity, divorce, suicide, connection, and love. That experience shaped my path, leading me to study Drama Therapy and Clinical Psychology and dedicate my career to helping youth navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. It is a privilege to now bring that same commitment to ACS.
The role of ACS has never been more important. Across our community, we are seeing more complex family dynamics, increased academic pressure, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and a growing sense of uncertainty about the world and the future. Anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation are on the rise - and too many youth don’t know where to turn. We are serving younger clients than ever before, and demand continues to grow.
At a time when many nonprofits are closing their doors, ACS remains a steady and trusted resource thanks to donors like you. This past year, we celebrated 50 years of service to our community, reaching thousands of individuals since our founding. In the last year alone, we served over 26,000 youth and family members, and 100% of our clients who received mental health counseling at their school reported increased coping skills. We’ve expanded our on-campus counseling services to reach students as young as five, and programs like Outlet continue to provide vital space, connection, and support for LGBTQIA+ youth. ACS is here and growing because of you!
This spring, ACS will not hold our annual Spring for Support luncheon, and while we will miss gathering in person, our commitment to youth has not changed. Today, I invite you to make a meaningful donation to ACS. Your support can be the turning point for a young person who is struggling and ensures that every young person who reaches out to ACS can access compassionate, professional services, regardless of their ability to pay. It allows us to meet rising demand, expand access, and continue building a community where all young people can thrive.
Thank you for welcoming me into this community and for standing with ACS during this important moment. Together, we can ensure that no young person has to navigate their challenges alone.
In community,
Dr. Douglas Styles
ACS Executive Director