Mental Health Support for Teens Through an App and Mentors
Official title: Digital Delivery of Evidence-Based Mental Health Content and Mentoring to Adolescents
Funded at Appa Health INC · NIH-11131063 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers a smartphone and computer app called Appa Health to help adolescents with their mental well-being by providing skills and guidance from trained mentors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Appa Health INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH134733-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131063 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adolescents who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety and are open to using a smartphone or computer application for mental health support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who require intensive, in-person clinical therapy or are not comfortable engaging with digital tools and non-clinical mentors may not find this program beneficial.
What this research studies
Appa Health is a digital program designed for teenagers that combines helpful mental health skills with support from a mentor. You'll get access to short, engaging videos based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that teach you practical ways to manage your thoughts and feelings. Alongside these videos, a trained mentor, who understands what you're going through, will offer guidance and encouragement to help you use these skills in your daily life. This approach aims to make mental health support more accessible and engaging for young people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide an accessible and effective way for adolescents to improve their mental health and well-being, especially for those experiencing anxiety or depression.
How similar studies have gone: While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mentorship are established methods for mental health support, this project explores a novel combination of these elements delivered digitally to adolescents.
Where this research is happening
-
Appa Health INC
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Christopher — Appa Health INC
- Study coordinator: Williams, Christopher
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.