California Launches Free Digital Behavioral Health Platforms for Children and Families

On on January 16, 2024, California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform – two free behavioral health services apps for all families with kids, teens, and young adults ages 0-25.

Launching as a part of the state’s CalHOPE program,  the web- and app-based platforms will offer all California families with kids, teens and young adults ages 0-25, free one-on-one support with a live wellness coach, a library of multimedia resources, wellness exercises, and peer communities moderated by trained behavioral health professionals to ensure content is appropriate and safe for all users.

Because kids and young adults have dramatically different needs by age group, the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform is a combination of two different web and app-based applications that support two distinct groups: BrightLife Kids, developed by Brightline, is for parents or caregivers and kids 0-12 years old. Soluna, developed by Kooth, is for teens and young adults ages 13-25. Families with multiple children whose ages span 0-25 can use both platforms to meet their unique needs. Each app will also offer coaching services in English and Spanish, as well as telephone-based coaching in all Medi-Cal threshold languages.

• Free Coaching: Live one-on-one coaching sessions with a trained and qualified behavioral health wellness coach delivered through in-app chat or video appointments. Telephone coaching will also be available in all Medi-Cal threshold languages.
• Educational Content: Age-tailored educational articles, videos, podcasts, and stories.
• Assessments and Tools: Stress-management tools and clinically validated assessments to understand and monitor behavioral health over time.
• Care Navigation Services: A searchable directory and live care navigation support to connect users to their local behavioral health resources, including connecting users with their health plan, school-based services, or community-based organizations that can provide clinical care options and care coordination services.
• Peer Communities: Moderated forums and programs to connect users with other youth or caregivers.
• Crisis and Safety Protocols: Crisis and emergency safety resources for platform users experiencing a mental health crisis or who require immediate assistance (e.g., 988).

Read more in the full press release online.

Source: California Department of Healthcare Services | California Launches Free Digital Behavioral Health Platforms for Children and Families, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240116384810/en/California-Launches-Free-Digital-Behavioral-Health-Platforms-for-Children-and-Families | copyright 2024 BusinessWire