CA Is Investing $500M in Therapy Apps for Youth. Advocates Fear It Won’t Pay Off.
HealthLeaders Media April 26, 2024
California is believed to be the first state to offer a mental health app with free coaching to all young residents.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
– The apps fill a need for young Californians and their families to access professional telehealth for free, in multiple languages, and outside of standard 9-to-5 hours.
– It’s part of a sweeping $4.7 billion master plan for kids’ mental health to increase access to mental health and substance use support services.
– The virtual platforms come amid rising depression and suicide rates among youth and a shortage of mental health providers.
– Those supporting youth mental health at the local level question whether the apps will move the needle on climbing depression and suicide rates.
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