Poorly regulated and chronic stress has been directly implicated in the initiation and maintenance of many mental health problems, and researchers have recognized for a long time that adolescence is a prime time for the onset of major disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. This suggests the need for interventions to help all adolescents cope with stress during this period of development. The years of adolescence present both challenge and opportunity to young people in general, but especially so for youth who are more vulnerable.