When we think about mental health, we often think about having to travel to a doctor’s office in order to receive care. This may not be the best option for everyone. We know that there is a group of people who function well in the digital age: youth. How can we use this to a mental health advantage to better reach this group? Here is what eight mental health experts say regarding tech and youth. 

Brightline

Haleigh Tebben is the Chief Commercial Officer of Brightline, which is the first and only national comprehensive pediatric health solution. They support kids and teens, a year and a half old to 18 years old, as well as their families. They use a digital platform that utilizes a comprehensive model that includes self-directed tools, resources, and content, as well as one-on-one virtual behavioral health coaching that focuses on skill building. Their focus is on quality and outcomes, which can be gauged over time, through the use of their digital technology.

Neolth

Dr. Katherine Grill is the Co-Founder and CEO of Neolth, a self-guided mobile app and browser for digital mental health care. She said early intervention is the best way to engage youth in their mental health. The digital approach is a positive way to do this. This company allows youths to access mental health education and coping skills and work on stigma reduction. 

Headstream

Dani Bicknell is the Senior Program Manager of Headstream, which is powered by SecondMuse. She says that digital wellness has the chance to serve youths better. Headstream is using digital access to get resources and mental wellness to youths. 

Limbix

Elise Vierra is the Director of Content for Limbix. They utilize digital content to provide immediate, safe, and effective private treatment programs. The content gives teens resources and teaches them to learn, plan, and schedule things to help them feel better. Limbix uses cognitive behavioral therapy to reach youths through the digital world. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

We spoke with Brandon J. Johnson, a Public Health Advisor for the SAMHSA and the creator of The Black Mental Wellness Lounge, regarding tech and youth. He said, “There is a huge place for tech in mental health care. Tech is a great way to interface with youth so they can be in touch with safe outlets. Not everything on social media is real, but there is a way to connect with youths through social media. There needs to be a balance between touch and tech to embrace technology for young people to get their information.”

BeMe Health

Dr. Nicoletta Tessler, BeMe Health

Dr. Tessler is the Co-Founder and CEO of BeMe Health. She, Dr. Chaudhary, and Dr. Ramo are providers for the digital health application BeMe Health. She explains that there was a need in the mental health field for a way to better reach teens in order to get them the support they need. “What was being done before, was not working. We needed a way to access teens 24/7, from their phones.” The BeMe application was created to fill this need. 

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, BeMe Health

Dr. Chaudhary is the Chief Medical Officer for BeMe Health. When asked about how she is helping teens with mental health care, she said, “ We are seeing teens who are searching for mental health support. They are not finding it at home, and they are turning to social media, which, as we know, is not the best source. We need an alternative to give to them where they can receive the right kind of support.” 

Dr. Danielle Ramo, BeMe Health

Dr. Ramo is the Chief Clinical Officer for BeMe Health. When asked about teens and mental health, she said, “Teens are struggling with serious and diagnosable things like anxiety and depression. But they are also dealing with undiagnosable things like persistent loneliness and overstress. Creating a platform where teens can get the care they need, when it fits their needs, has allowed teens to receive care through digital apps.” Digital mental health platforms seem to be the way to reach teens in need. 

You can watch our full panel and hear more of these conversations here.