California’s Department of Health Care Services has initiated a significant step in addressing the mental health needs of its youth population by launching two innovative digital platforms. These services, tailored for families with children, teenagers, and young adults up to the age of 25, aim to provide accessible and comprehensive behavioral health support.
The inception of these partnerships has been a culmination of years of planning and collaboration, spurred by the state’s recognition in 2021 of the pressing need to tackle the growing youth mental health crisis. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), underscores the state’s commitment to prioritizing mental wellness among its youngest residents.
The selected platforms, Brightline and Kooth’s Soluna, cater to different age groups within the youth demographic, ensuring that specialized support is available across various developmental stages. Brightline focuses on providing resources for younger children, while Soluna targets the unique needs of teenagers and young adults.
What sets these digital tools apart is their accessibility. Regardless of socioeconomic status or insurance coverage, all families residing in California can avail themselves of these services at no cost. This inclusivity ensures that no individual is left behind in accessing vital behavioral health support, thereby fostering a more resilient and healthier youth population statewide.
“About two-thirds of California kids with depression do not receive treatment. This platform will help meet the need by expanding access to critical behavioral health supports,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, the Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency. “Our young people will have an accessible option to get the help they need.”
From 2019 to 2021, roughly one-third of adolescents in California grappled with significant psychological distress, accompanied by a troubling 20 percent surge in adolescent suicides. Concurrently, a scarcity of mental health providers has led to extended wait times for appointments with community-based services. This shortage disproportionately affects the uninsured and individuals with low incomes, exacerbating the challenge of accessing timely care.
“The Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform will give access to services early on, reducing the likelihood of escalation to more serious conditions,” Ghaly said.
Coaching services will be available in both web and app formats, catering to English and Spanish speakers. Additionally, telephone-based coaching will be provided in all Medi-Cal threshold languages.
The platform offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support behavioral health and wellness:
- Free Coaching: Access live one-on-one coaching sessions with trained and qualified behavioral health wellness coaches. These sessions can be conducted via in-app chat, video appointments, or telephone calls, providing personalized support tailored to individual needs.
- Educational Content: Users can explore age-tailored educational resources including articles, videos, podcasts, and stories aimed at promoting mental well-being and addressing behavioral health concerns.
- Assessments and Tools: Utilize stress-management tools and clinically validated assessments to gain insights into one’s behavioral health status and track progress over time. These resources empower users to proactively manage their mental well-being.
- Care Navigation Services: Navigate the complex landscape of behavioral health resources with ease through a searchable directory and live care navigation support. Users can access local services such as health plan resources, school-based services, or community organizations offering clinical care options and care coordination services.
- Peer Communities: Engage in moderated forums where users can connect with peers facing similar challenges or caregivers seeking support. These communities foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for mutual assistance and shared experiences.
- Crisis and Safety Protocols: In times of crisis or emergency, the platform offers robust safety protocols and resources to ensure the well-being of users. Immediate assistance is available for those experiencing a mental health crisis, providing vital support during critical moments.
By offering a holistic approach to behavioral health and wellness, the platform aims to empower users to take control of their mental well-being, access support when needed, and foster a sense of community and resilience.
Both applications are bound by stringent privacy and confidentiality standards, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations concerning privacy and security.
Furthermore, each application will implement comprehensive safety measures and protocols for risk escalation. Trained behavioral health experts will actively monitor app usage to detect any potential risks, with licensed professionals ready to intervene when necessary from a clinical standpoint.
The Apps and Where to Find Them
BrightLife Kids can now be downloaded on iOS devices from the Apple App Store. The Android version will be released in the summer, but in the meantime, it’s accessible on all devices or computers at CalHOPE.org. For older youth, the Soluna app is available on both iOS and Android devices, found in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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