New Digital Mental Health Support For California Youth, Young Adults and Families Now Available
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched new digital mental health support for youth, young adults and families. The two easy-to-use web-and app-based platforms, BrightLife Kids and Soluna, offer free, safe and confidential support for those living in California. No insurance is required.
BrightLife Kids offers behavioral health coaching for parents, caregivers and kids 0-12 with customized support varying for each age group. Dedicated coaches communicate directly with you and your child to provide expert behavioral health guidance and on-demand resources anytime and from anywhere. Parents and caregivers can use BrightLife Kids for peer support and expert advice on how to handle behavioral challenges while teaching problem-solving and communication. Kids can utilize resources and coaching that teach them how to manage worries, express big feelings and navigate confusing social situations.
13–25-year-olds can access Soluna to chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, explore quizzes or videos and participate in safe, moderated community forums. The app offers support wherever you may be in your journey and is designed to be a space where you can be authentically you. A smart phone is not necessary to receive support. Soluna offers over-the-phone coaching in 19 languages that can be accessed at their website. Additionally, the Soluna app or website can help users search for local services.
BrightLife Kids is available for download on IOS devices in the Apple App Store and will be available for Android devices in mid-2024; it is also available online at CalHOPE. Soluna is available for both IOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you are in crisis and looking for urgent support, call 988 or the San Mateo County Crisis Line at 1-650-579-0350 or Text “BAY” to 741741.
You must be logged in to post a comment.