On World Mental Health Day, at Mega Mall Bucharest, the Mentado Association was launched — an initiative dedicated to caring for adolescents’ mental health and creating safe spaces for emotional support, education, and connection.
The event included a discussion panel on youth mental health, moderated by Adelina Bortan, clinical psychologist and founder of Mentado. The guest speakers were Carina Coșăreanu and Alina Uricec, psychologists experienced in working with adolescents, Bianca Sârbu, communication specialist, and Alessandra, artist. The conversation touched on key topics such as the vulnerability of adolescence, the importance of supportive relationships, the role of family and school, and the healing power of art.
The grim statistics show that one in two Romanian teenagers has had suicidal thoughts at least once. For children under 15, the suicide rate is twice the European average, and about one-third of young people frequently feel sad, drained, or hopeless. According to UNICEF and the WHO, around 9% of Romanian children and adolescents are in constant need of psychological support.
“Adolescence is not a problem to overcome, but a vital stage of transformation. Unfortunately, too many young people suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn for help. With Mentado, we want to be there before it’s too late — to offer teenagers safe spaces where they can talk, connect, and heal. Caring for young people’s mental health means caring for our shared future,” said Adelina Bortan, clinical psychologist and founder of Mentado.
Through its work, Mentado aims to develop integrated programs that provide teenagers and their families with practical tools for support. The association will organize support groups for teens, self-awareness workshops, training programs for parents and teachers, and educational campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding emotional struggles. Artistic and cultural projects will also be launched to help transform vulnerability into expression and courage.
Mentado is supported by the MindHeroes Board, a council of mental health professionals that includes Diana Lupu (psychotherapist), Mira Cîrmaciu (psychiatrist), Bianca Sârbu (communication specialist), Carmen Paraschivu (psychologist), and Adelina Bortan (clinical psychologist, communication specialist, and founder of Mentado).
Through all these initiatives, Mentado aims to bring real change to the way Romania views adolescent mental health — not as a taboo topic, but as a social priority.