California will launch two new apps in the new year for youth and young adults that will provide mental health support, from wellness exercises to a community of peers and other support. (Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The new year brings new mental health resources to California youth on their phones.
The two new apps will be available to state residents starting January 1 and offer free resources including one-on-one coaching support via in-app chat, calls and video. A place to chat with friends. Various health exercises. Information about local behavioral health resources and crisis services.
Users can find “age-appropriate” educational content such as videos, games and podcasts, according to the California Department of Health Services. The goal is to help parents and youth address a variety of behavioral health issues, including sleep habits, peer pressure, bullying, emotions, stress management, and tantrums.
These apps come at a time when people of all ages are struggling with their mental and emotional health.
For example, a study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that from 2016 to 2021, hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to suicide attempts and suicidal ideation rose steadily among American children and teens. It turned out that it was. Other studies have found an increase in mental and psychological problems. Mental health during and after the pandemic.
These apps provide users with a community forum where posts and connections are pre-reviewed by moderators. These moderators will determine whether someone is at high risk and a qualified clinical professional may intervene to assist the user in finding outside services.
The app intended for users under the age of 12 is BrightLife Kids. The app for users aged 13 to 25 is Soluna.
Both apps are free to California residents, but paid services may be available. It is also monitored by DHCS for privacy and security.
The BrightLife app for young users provides collaborative coaching services for children and parents, guardians, and other caregivers. However, DHCS says California law allows minors over the age of 12 to privately consent to mental health treatment, so information will not be shared with parents or teachers at Solna. .
DHCS said app vendors “follow strict safety and escalation protocols when risks are identified.” Users can also remain anonymous.
“We won’t share your details or your actions on the app with anyone other than your parents, school, or health care professionals, unless you tell us it’s okay,” Soluna’s website says.
The state partnered with virtual mental health providers Brightline and Kooth US to develop the app.
Clinical services such as therapy, pharmacology, and diagnostics are not available for free through the app, but vendors may offer those services for an additional fee, the DCHS team said in an email. But apps must first offer free support and provide referrals to community-based and crisis service providers before recommending their own paid services, DCHS said.
The Soluna app is already available to residents of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties and will be available statewide starting January 1st.
To secure eligibility, users must enter their postal code and date of birth.
No end date has been given for how long residents will be able to use the app, but DHCS said it “intends to make the app available for a long time.”