Digital Lifeline: Study Shows California's Free Mental Health App Delivers Lasting Benefits to Youth

CHICAGO, IL – April 30, 2026 – A new independent study from Northwestern University has provided powerful evidence that Soluna, California's free digital mental health platform for young people, is associated with significant and sustained reductions in psychological distress, marking a potential turning point in how states can address the youth mental health crisis at scale.

The clinical evaluation, conducted by the Lab of Scalable Mental Health and currently under peer review, found that young people aged 13-25 using the app experienced measurable improvements in their wellbeing within just one month, with those gains holding steady at a three-month follow-up. This validation of a widely accessible digital tool comes at a critical time, as youth across the nation continue to report high levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Validating a New Model of Care

Led by Dr. Jessica Schleider, a prominent researcher in the field of scalable mental health interventions, the Northwestern study recruited real Soluna users to track their progress. The findings indicate a clear positive trajectory for participants. After just one month of engaging with the platform, users showed significant decreases in psychological distress. The research also documented reductions in specific challenges, including anxiety, depression, hopelessness, loneliness, and even suicidal ideation.

Crucially, the study found no "fade-out effect," meaning the mental health improvements were not temporary; they were sustained at the three-month mark. Furthermore, these positive outcomes were consistent across the board, regardless of a user's background or identity, suggesting the platform's broad efficacy.

“It will take a full ecosystem of supports to meet the scale of youth mental health need,” said Dr. Schleider, Director of the Lab of Scalable Mental Health at Northwestern University. “Digital tools like Soluna are not a replacement for traditional care, but they are an essential part of the system. In this study, many young people experienced meaningful and sustained reductions in distress. That tells us scalable, accessible support can make a real difference.”

The study's methodology involved surveying users at baseline, one month, and three months, using the Youth Self-Report Outcome Measure (YP-CORE) as the primary indicator of psychological distress. The single-arm evaluation provides a pragmatic look at how the app performs in a real-world setting.

California's Bold Bet on Digital Health

The success of Soluna is not an isolated event but a cornerstone of a massive statewide public health strategy. The platform was developed and is managed through an innovative partnership between Kooth Digital Health, a global leader in the field, and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

It is a key component of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a multi-billion dollar effort under Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health. The initiative aims to fundamentally restructure how California provides mental health support, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and equitable access. Soluna serves as a "digital front door" to this new ecosystem, available at no cost to all California youth and young adults.

In its first year, the platform has already achieved significant reach, engaging young people across all 58 of California's counties. It offers a suite of services designed to meet youth where they are, including one-on-one coaching with trained professionals, a library of self-guided tools and clinically-informed content, and a human-moderated peer community for safe connection. For those needing more intensive support, Care Navigators are available to connect users with local resources and services.

“We have built a growing body of research showing that Soluna is reaching young people across California and earning their trust,” said Kate Newhouse, Chief Executive Officer of Kooth Digital Health. “This independent evaluation from Northwestern takes that a step further by demonstrating measurable and sustained improvements in clinical outcomes... When young people feel less distressed and more supported, that shows up in their daily lives.”

Earning Trust in Schools and Communities

Beyond the clinical data, evidence shows Soluna is earning the trust of both its young users and the adults who support them. User satisfaction rates are exceptionally high, with 94–99% positive feedback on the app’s content, coaching sessions, and safety features. An overwhelming 98% of users said they would recommend Soluna to a friend.

For many, the app is more than just a tool; it's a lifeline. “Soluna has definitely made school better for me, and it got me through the last few days of my freshman year,” shared one 15-year-old user. This sentiment is backed by data showing 85% of users said the platform helped them realize they are not alone.

This positive impact is resonating in schools and community organizations. A separate peer-reviewed study published in JMIR Formative Research found strong support from educators and youth-serving professionals. A remarkable 95% said they would recommend Soluna to other organizations, and 89% reported observing improvements in youth concentration in school.

The platform is seen as a crucial tool for filling gaps in an overstretched system. “I unfortunately don't have enough time to meet individually with every student, and sometimes students can't access therapy or don't feel comfortable with therapy yet,” a California school counselor stated. “Being able to recommend Soluna is something I can do to support student mental health more. I love how accessible it is for students.” Professionals cited Soluna's confidentiality, 24/7 availability, and no-cost model as its most valuable attributes.

The Human Element in a Digital World

While celebrating the technological solution, experts like Dr. Schleider are quick to emphasize its role within a broader continuum of care. The goal is not to replace therapists but to expand the "ecosystem of supports." The data suggests Soluna is succeeding in this, with nearly half (49%) of its users stating they would not have access to any mental health services without it.

The platform's design prioritizes safety, a critical concern when serving a youth population online. Kooth Digital Health's long-standing accreditations from URAC in the U.S. and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in the U.K. underscore a commitment to quality and accountability. The moderated peer community, in particular, ensures that young people have a safe space to connect without the risks of unmonitored social platforms.

This combination of independent clinical validation, strong state-level backing, and widespread user and stakeholder trust positions the Soluna initiative as a potential blueprint for other states. By leveraging technology to provide accessible, effective, and safe support, California's program demonstrates a scalable strategy for making a measurable difference in the lives of young people and helping to turn the tide on the youth mental health crisis.