Anxiety, depression, and lockdown measures from the pandemic accelerated the demand for digital mental health options. The pandemic forced a shift in health care to digital mental health, as it was sometimes the only way to get care. The disruption of how mental health care operated due to the pandemic helped digital mental health companies like Neolth thrive. As we are leaving the height of the pandemic, the digital mental health space is still growing, constantly making room for numerous digital mental health care options.
Telehealth accelerated digital mental health startups by providing these companies with a way to give people health care at their fingertips. Most telehealth appointments are on a tablet, smartphone, or computer, which is much more convenient than traveling somewhere for therapy. Virtual visits to telehealth therapists are an easy way to access one on one therapy, group therapy, medication monitoring, mental health screenings, and other treatment options.
Some benefits of digital mental health are increasing access to care, almost anywhere, and personalizing care to meet individual needs. The mental health care system doesn’t have enough professionals available for the demand, so telehealth is a great way to make mental health care more accessible and affordable for all. Telehealth improves quality of life because getting care is more convenient.
Digital mental health options benefit students within a digital generation, in particular, because they are comfortable using technology. Students are fully equipped to navigate digital mental health options, suggesting that telehealth is something that is mainstream to students living in a digital world. Digital mental health care makes it easier for students to get appointments because it fits into their busy schedule and not the other way around. In meeting students where they are, digital mental health is a breakthrough for making mental healthcare more affordable and accessible, as well as personalized.
Implementing digital mental health care into school systems is key to making mental health care more equitable for all. Not only is it more equitable, but it is also more effective in the sense that students won’t have to worry about not getting appointments or waiting until they are at a point of crisis to get help. Digital mental health can be preventative when using self-guided apps like Neolth, keeping students from reaching a point of crisis. Neolth goes a step further from telehealth because it is a fully self-guided digital mental health care option. Neolth allows students to prioritize their mental health by allowing access anywhere, anytime.
Digital mental health care is more convenient for students, teachers, and counselors. 24/7 support from anywhere makes sure that no one slips through the cracks of getting the mental health care that they need. Being able to access mental health care from wherever a student feels comfortable is a big deal because it does not have to be publicly broadcasted for those who are not comfortable with getting help in public. If any stigma around mental health struggles is still lingering within school culture, then accessing mental health care from home or their phone is a great option to help students get the care that they need privately.
It also helps students to gain confidence in seeking in-person care when they need it by effectively reducing feelings of stigma or shame. School counselors and educators can incorporate Neolth into the school with our Health Analytics and Educator Platforms, creating safe spaces for students to openly discuss and learn about mental health. Health Analytics and Monitoring for school counselors enables access to real time mental health data. It links students with 24/7 self-guided support, acting as a safety net if a student is in crisis and can’t wait for another appointment to get help.
If you are looking to learn more about digital mental health options, Neolth is a digital stress and mental health support program for students and educators. We’re on a mission to help you stress less, build resilience, and become a part of our compassionate community. Our app helps you when you’re feeling overwhelmed with self-guided content, personalized for your mental health journey. Neolth has a growing community of Student Ambassadors from 170 schools and works with schools to improve access to mental health support for their students and teachers alike. You can learn more at neolth.com or sign up today at cloud.neolth.com.
About the author:
Ginger Freeman (she/her) is an Editorial intern at Neolth and a senior at Santa Clara University studying Psychology, Public Health, and Asian Studies. Once she graduates, she plans to pursue a masters in counseling to become a licensed therapist. She is passionate about making mental health care more accessible and personalized, as well as applying zen theory to traditional psychotherapy. Through starting the conversation around mental health she hopes to reduce stigma and help people feel less alone! Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outside with friends, hot yoga, meditation, and listening to live music.
