The holidays can be a stressful time for many, including teenagers. Local counselors say peer pressure, family issues and bullying can lead to more stress for teens during the holiday season.
Rise Life Services Teen Suicide Prevention Program in Riverhead provides free 24-hour help to teens who are at risk.
"The Christmas holiday is an amazing time filled with joy, but for some it can be a time of great sadness and difficulty. We want to be there to help," explained outreach specialist Eric Van Deusen.
The program provides free around the clock helpline, counseling services, medication management and other enrichment activities for teenagers and their families in Suffolk County.