California Introduces Free Behavioral Health Apps for Children and Families
California’s Department of Health Care Services has recently launched two mobile applications that provide free behavioral health services to families with children ages 0-25. According to a press release, the state department highlighted the concerning statistics that about one-third of California adolescents experienced serious psychological distress during 2019-2021, and there was a 20 percent increase in adolescent suicides during the same period.
The first app, called BrightLife Kids, is specifically designed for children aged 0-12 and their caregivers. The second app, called Soluna, is targeted towards youth between the ages of 13-25. Both applications offer a range of resources and features to support mental health and well-being.
BrightLife Kids: A New Mobile App for Mental Health Support in Children
BrightLife Kids is a mobile application developed for children aged 0-12 and their caregivers. It provides free one-on-one coaching sessions, emergency resource information for mental health crises, a searchable directory and live care navigation services, and stress management tools. The app aims to support children and their caregivers in managing mental health challenges and finding appropriate resources. It is funded by the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.
Soluna: A Mobile App for Youth Mental Health and Well-being
Soluna is a mobile application specifically designed for youth between the ages of 13-25. It offers similar features and resources as BrightLife Kids, including free one-on-one coaching sessions, emergency resource information, a searchable directory and live care navigation services, and stress management tools. Soluna aims to provide support for youth in managing their mental health and well-being.
Features and Resources Offered by California’s New Mental Health Apps
Both BrightLife Kids and Soluna offer a range of features and resources to support children and youth in managing their mental health. These include free one-on-one coaching sessions, which will be conducted by trained and qualified behavioral health wellness coaches. Although the coaches are not licensed professionals, licensed behavioral health professionals will be available to intervene if necessary.
Additionally, the apps provide information on emergency resources for mental health crises, as well as a searchable directory and live care navigation services. This allows users to connect with resources available through their health plan or at their school. The apps also offer stress management tools and other resources to help users effectively manage their mental health challenges.
The coaching sessions and other resources in both apps are available in both English and Spanish. Live translation services are also available in 17 additional languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, and more. These language options ensure that the apps are accessible to a diverse range of users.
Updates on Education and Mental Health Initiatives in California
In addition to the launch of these free behavioral health apps, there have been other recent updates in education and mental health initiatives in California. For example, there is a proposed bill that could potentially ban tackle football for children younger than 12. The state attorney general has also issued a warning to school districts regarding parental notification policies.
Furthermore, a recent report highlighted the inequality in access to school counselors, with students whose parents have college degrees being more likely to receive counseling services. These updates demonstrate the ongoing efforts in California to address mental health issues and improve support for children and youth in the education system.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The introduction of free behavioral health apps in California will provide much-needed support for children and youth struggling with mental health issues. These apps offer resources, coaching sessions, and emergency information to help manage mental health challenges. The availability of these apps in multiple languages makes them accessible to a diverse range of users. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts in California to address mental health and improve support in education. The market for mental health apps is expected to see increased demand and usage.
