Soluna is a key part of California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), an investment in improving the mental health of young people - and providing equitable access to all Californians.
In March 2023, Kooth was awarded a contract by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to build and roll out a brand new mental health support app, Soluna.
This was a competitive process, where Kooth competed against 450 vendors and content providers. Ten months later, Soluna was launched to over six million 13-25 year olds as part of the State’s $4.7 billion five-year plan to transform access to youth mental health care.
The app offers youth and young adults immediate and free access to a comprehensive mental health toolkit, community support, resources, journalling, and personal coaching.
Based on over two decades of clinical research, Soluna built something unique but also steeped in an evidence base.
Inspired by positive psychology, Soluna’s ‘Journey to Change’ promotes a wellbeing-centred approach to exploring mental health for young people. It is designed to connect users with support and inspire personal development and self-advocacy.
Soluna is here to help
Having a safe, private, digital mental health resource for young people is critical.
Research shows a stark increase in mental health issues in young people due to pressures around academic stress, social media, and tech usage. As digital natives, today’s children and young people (CYP) face complex challenges and stressors unlike any before them.
Positive outcomes
Research studies have shown digital mental health tools, like Soluna, help young people feel less anxious, stressed, or depressed. Positive outcomes, like reductions in psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and loneliness, can result from connecting with peers who understand their experiences.
Soluna coaching delivers a powerful and consistently positive impact:
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97% of Soluna users provided positive feedback on coaching
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96% of Soluna users felt heard, understood, and respected
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95% would recommend Soluna to a friend
Soluna’s clinical approach
Soluna offers support linked to the building blocks of self-discovery and growth for young people. Each one helps pave the way for the ultimate goal of psychological flexibility
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Self-efficacy helps them believe in their abilities to tackle challenges with confidence
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Autonomy allows for independent choice, fostering a sense of control over their own lives
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Mastery fuels their desire to learn and improve, leading to a sense of accomplishment
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Relatedness invites connection, creating a support system that uplifts and motivates
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Hope teaches security and belonging, so they can explore life and pursue aspirations
Similar to Kooth, Soluna offers young people
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Wellbeing content and tools, including quizzes and swipeable activities
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Personalised 1:1 coaching
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A safe supportive peer community, with discussion forums
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Easy-to-access resources, and expert guidance in finding additional services
User-centred design: Soluna was designed with direct input from hundreds of young people to ensure it meets their unique needs. Soluna users want easy access with 24/7 availability; they value flexibility to choose the support they want, when they need it with no referral needed.
Other resources also include the Noise Cleansing feature, which helps young people relax and connect with their emotions. This may be by de-stressing with creative doodles, or exploring a wide array of topics including peer pressure, anxiety, and loneliness.
Young people also have access to digital journals - a personal, confidential space where they can write freely and reflect. The Write it Out online journalling feature is especially convenient for those who prefer not to write by hand. Users have the flexibility to share their journal entries with a coach for guided insights or keep them as private thoughts.