Woebot Health, maker of an AI-powered mental health chatbot, announced it signed a three-year agreement with Ohio-based nonprofit pediatric healthcare system Akron Children’s to provide pediatric mental health support to adolescents 13 to 17 years. 

Woebot’s nonprescription digital mental health tool includes content specific to teens, including media literacy, bullying in school settings, and body image and psychoeducation. 

Beginning in October, Akron clinicians residing in three underserved rural communities can recommend Woebot to patients who show signs of depression and anxiety during their annual well visit. The platform is to be used in conjunction with therapy. 

At a later time, the company’s platform will be available across Akron’s 44 primary care pediatric facilities. 

“We’ve seen firsthand the youth mental health crisis in over a quarter of our teen patients in pediatric practices. It’s hitting hardest in rural counties, where it’s difficult to recruit and maintain qualified behavioral health providers, and the patient population’s limited resources make it a high risk for adverse health outcomes,” Dr. Eva Szigethy, director of behavioral health and Lois C. Orr endowed chair in pediatric psychiatry, said in a statement. 

“We chose Woebot because it is a novel approach designed specifically for teens that integrates into our existing patient experience and workflows and enhances our new care models. We’re excited that Woebot Health is partnering with us to deliver a breakthrough solution that can help speed access to mental health support.”

THE LARGER TREND

Last year, Woebot announced partnerships with New Jersey-based not-for-profit hybrid-care provider Virtua Health to allow Virtua’s primary care providers to give access to Woebot for Adults. The tool could be used for patients on a waiting list to get an appointment or in conjunction with in-person therapy.

The company also partnered with digital payroll software provider PayrollPlans and AI-enabled text-first virtual healthcare clinic Curai Health to provide an AI-powered primary care and mental health virtual benefit solution to small- and medium-sized businesses. 

Wysa is another company offering an AI-enabled mental health chatbot. Its chatbot guides users through cognitive behavioral therapy for concerns like low mood, stress and anxiety. The company’s employer offering also includes a self-care library of exercises to improve self-esteem, sleep and mindfulness, and optional access to Wysa human coaches.

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