As the youth mental health crisis worsens, Akron Children’s is preparing to introduce a new tool to help teenagers manage anxiety and depression more effectively.
Akron Children’s has partnered with Woebot Health to offer Woebot for Adolescents, an AI-powered mental health support tool, to 13-17-year-old patients via clinician referral. This three-year agreement, starting in October, includes unlimited distribution of the tool, initially targeting patients in three rural counties who screen for depression or anxiety during their annual check-ups. The program will eventually expand to all 44 primary care pediatrics offices across Akron Children’s network.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has highlighted the youth mental health crisis as a major public health challenge. Akron Children’s, which serves 262,000 youth across 12 counties with high poverty rates and significant barriers to health, is directly addressing this issue.
“We’ve observed the impact of the mental health crisis on over a quarter of our teenage patients, particularly in rural areas where behavioral health resources are scarce,” said Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD, director of behavioral health. “Woebot is a novel tool that integrates seamlessly into our existing workflows and enhances our care models. We are excited to partner with Woebot Health to provide a solution that improves access to mental health support.”
Woebot for Adolescents offers in-the-moment support through interactive, user-directed conversations. The app focuses on media literacy, school bullying, body image, and psychoeducation, including gratitude journaling and goal setting. Its goal is to support teens in managing anxiety and depression while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Woebot Health CEO Michael Evers praised Akron Children’s for setting a new standard in integrated behavioral health. “Their leadership is pioneering a holistic approach that combines human and digital resources to improve mental health access and equity.”
About Woebot Health
Woebot Health is a digital mental health company dedicated to making mental health support accessible. Their enterprise SaaS solution, Copilot, includes Woebot, a 24/7 app-based companion that helps users manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
About Akron Children’s
Akron Children’s, an independent nonprofit pediatric health system established in 1890, provides comprehensive pediatric care through two hospital campuses, seven regional health centers, and over 50 locations across Ohio. It offers expert primary care and specialty services through its Akron Children’s Pediatrics network and various digital platforms. In 2023, Akron Children’s facilitated nearly 1.4 million patient encounters and employs over 7,000 staff members.
