We at Meru Health are incredibly excited to announce the launch of our new teen mental health offering. This innovative program is designed to provide accessible and engaging mental health support for teenagers aged 13-18. Our unique approach integrates therapist guided mental health support with lifestyle changes, addressing factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise recommendations and stress management to improve overall well-being.
Teenagers across the United States are experiencing a growing mental health emergency marked by unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and other challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 44% of U.S. high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, reflecting a significant rise in emotional distress. Furthermore, suicide is now the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–24, underscoring the critical need for expanded access to specialized care, early intervention programs, and coordinated community support.
Meru Health aims to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations about emotional well-being. This new service offers a hybrid approach, combining self-guided exercises with real-time therapist support throughout the day while at school or at home. Teens can explore new ideas and learn new important mental health skills and habits at their own pace while having access to licensed therapists through a dedicated chat. Teens can also interact with other peers through a moderated peer-support group.
"There are a lot of young people who are in real need for mental health support. We are excited to launch this new offering that is dedicated and designed for Teenagers, to help them become empowered and to improve their mental health!" said Kristian Ranta, CEO at Meru Health. "While schools provide valuable mental health education, teenagers express a desire for more personalized content, including interactive activities, to cater to their diverse interests and learning styles. Our new offering addresses this need by providing an engaging and interactive way for teens to learn important mental health skills and tools, and to connect with a therapist."
Meru Health’s teen service provides a safe and supportive space for young people to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. Through confidential and chats, teenagers can receive personalized advice and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.