"We want to reach kids before they need our services."

These are the words of Dr. Julius Licata, co-founder and director of the website, TeenCentral.Net, created by KidsPeace, the nonprofit residential mental health treatment center for children and teens based in Orefield, North Whitehall, with its KidsPeace Broadway Campus in Salisbury Township.

Licata explains that TeenCentral offers free and anonymous on-line mental health counseling and crisis intervention for youths in need, youths who are facing mental health issues, bullying, peer pressure and more.

"KidsPeace does a great job of providing help to kids in crisis," he says, "but we felt like what we were missing was preventative measures.

"We wanted to reach kids before the crisis hit. When a child gets to the point where they take their own life, it's too late. We were missing out on the crucial intervention and prevention stage, and that's why we created TeenCentral."

At TeenCentral, youths can receive advice from volunteer counselors and master clinicians within 24 hours of posting a personal story or question.

"They can ask anything, say anything," says Licata. "Everything is free, and they can go on as often as they like, whenever they like and everything they say is protected."

Licata says that when a major national crisis has happened, such as 9/11 and school shootings, TeenCentral was frequently the place that teens directly affected went to talk.

Parents, too, can write in for help at TeenCentral's sister site, ParentCentral. net.

"Sometimes, parents just don't know what to do to help their child and we provide them with advice and resources in order to help them be the best parent and best advocate for their child," explains Licata.

TeenCentral and ParentCentral have helped millions of youths navigate through rough times during the past 15 years, says Licata.

According to its web site, TeenCentral.Net is a safe place for teens to:

Tell their story and read stories from other kids who relate to the same feelings;

Hear from peers who respond with support, encouragement and direction;

Receive feedback from professionals who can offer guidance in making decisions;

Find books, movies, music, hotline numbers and organizations that can help, and

Develop confidence in their own abilities and personal worth.

Says Licata: "We have gotten emails from kids saying things like 'You saved my life. You helped me through a difficult time.'

"No child should have to live with fear or despair. And with TeenCentral, we can offer help."

National KidsDay is held the first Sunday each August. National Family Month runs from Mother's Day to Father's Day each year.

Licata received a BA in Philosophy from Immaculate Conception Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary and a PhD in Psychology.

In addition to his position at KidsPeace, Licata is Archbishop of the Old Catholic Apostolic Church of the Americas, Bethlehem, and Pastor of the Cathedral Parish of St. Jude, Bethlehem.

KidsPeace TeenCentral. Net information: teencentral.net/kidspeace.org