Rising demand, shrinking support: California’s youth mental health crisis
Youth mental health issues in California have steadily risen over the past five years, a crisis made worse by a growing shortage of qualified providers.
California youth are coping with depression*
are not receiving any mental health treatment*
leading cause of death among Californians aged 10-25 was suicide (2019-2021)*
rise in suicide rates for youth (10-18) from 2019-2020*
Free, in-the-moment, and accessible mental health support for young people
Caregivers can feel confident that their teens and young adults have access to high-quality support without referrals, and providers can trust that their patients receive ongoing care between appointments.
Equality
Breaking barriers to support so every young person across the state gets the mental health care they deserve.
Access
Providing free, pre-clinical mental health support so young people can get help whenever and wherever they need it.
Speed
Fast-tracking youth to the right care at the right time, ensuring no one is left waiting for the support they need.
Shaping the future of youth mental health support
Recognizing that early and preventative support is critical to addressing the youth mental health crisis, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched a statewide effort in 2020 to transform mental health services for young people. In collaboration with key stakeholders and over 300 youth voices, DHCS is reshaping the California's behavioral health ecosystem.
As part of this initiative, Behavioral Health Virtual Services (BHVS) now provides statewide mental health support for young people in California. This includes BrightLife Kids (for ages 0-12) and Soluna (for ages 13-25), two platforms that serve as a ‘digital front door’ to mental health and welfare services for youth in need of acute care.
Soluna’s contribution to these efforts is a safe, free, and innovative wellbeing app — shaped by and for teens and young adults — to help them build the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
Science-backed, youth-centered support
Inspired by positive psychology, our Journey to Change model provides a structured, evidence-based approach to youth mental wellbeing.
Paired with our deep commitment to young people, this model ensures our platform is responsive, supportive, and user-focused.
Empowered by both, Soluna delivers a powerful and unique experience — tailored to the real needs of today’s youth.
1:1 coaching that makes a difference
Young people can connect with a behavioral health coach through chat, video, or phone — whenever they need support. Soluna coaches are trained in evidence-based practices and guided by licensed clinicians, ensuring expert-backed care in the moments that matter most.
Safe peer support
A secure community space to gain support from peers, moderated by trained professionals. With the highest standards of clinical governance, all user content is assessed for appropriateness and safety before being shared.
Self-guided tools
Research-backed resources to support users on their mental health journeys. Through clinically reviewed articles, tools for goal setting, relaxation, journaling, and more, young people can develop resilience and improve wellbeing at their own pace.
Health navigation
A digital front door to local mental health and welfare services, supported by health navigators who help youth access services in California.
Multilingual support
Soluna provides an inclusive user experience with an app interface and coaching available in English and Spanish. Phone coaching is also offered in all 19 Medi-Cal threshold languages, ensuring broader access to care.
Workforce development
Kooth invests in the next generation of behavioral health professionals in California. To date, two cohorts of Peer Support Specialists have completed CalMHSA certification.
