Enhancing mental health accessibility for GenZers
Mood Log
There Must Be Something Out There
Before seeking mental healthcare, many young adults find themselves in a cycle of uncertainty and frustration, unsure of where to start, who to trust, or how to navigate the complex world of therapy. The process often feels overwhelming, with endless searches, canceled appointments, and a constant struggle to find the right fit. This journey can be daunting and discouraging, especially when compounded by the stress and challenges of everyday life.
Talking to peers
In my search for help, I turned to countless teletherapy apps, convinced there must be a straightforward way to get the support I needed. However, most of the options I found were cumbersome, requiring long surveys (like BetterHelp and Talkspace), demanding payment upfront before revealing therapist matches, or lacking clear guidance on how to begin the therapy process. This made an already stressful situation even more overwhelming and disheartening.
To better understand the challenges faced by others, I conducted a comprehensive survey of 51 respondents to gain insights into the experiences, challenges, and preferences of young adults aged 18-35 regarding mental health care. The survey findings revealed several key barriers and preferences that directly influenced the design recommendations.
High Interest in Therapy but Low Engagement:
Finding: A significant 81% of respondents expressed interest in seeking therapy, yet only 34% were actively engaged in it. This gap highlighted the obstacles young adults face when transitioning from the desire for mental health support to actually receiving it.
Design Implication: There is a clear need for interventions that ease this transition and support young adults in taking the first steps toward therapy.
Barriers to Accessing Therapy:
Uncertainty and Lack of Guidance: Respondents often felt overwhelmed and confused about where to start their search for a therapist. This lack of guidance was a significant deterrent.
Fear of the Unknown: A lack of understanding about what therapy entails, including what to expect during sessions, was a common concern among respondents, which contributed to their reluctance to seek help.
Design Implication: These barriers indicate a need for a system that not only provides clear, upfront information about costs and therapy processes but also guides users step-by-step through the journey of finding and engaging with a therapist.
Technology’s Role in Mental Health Care:
Finding: Respondents showed a strong preference for using digital tools to search for therapists and gather information. They appreciated the convenience and accessibility of online platforms.
Design Implication: The design should capitalize on this preference by creating a user-friendly digital platform that facilitates the search for mental health care providers and delivers personalized content.
“I think planting seeds of knowledge of where to start and how can be a starting point to help people with their journey in seeking mental health care and finding the therapist that will ultimately support them with their healing journey.”
“I start and stop [finding mental health professional], schedule appointments only to cancel them, get overwhelmed by the search, give up, only to pick it back up again after a flare-up of mental health issues.”
The literature review conducted as part of the research provided additional context and deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by younger generations. It also explored the role of technology in mental health care, which further informed the design recommendations.
Stress and Mental Health Challenges Among Gen Z and Millennials:
Gen Z and Millennials experience high levels of stress and are more likely to report mental health concerns compared to other age groups. Despite this, there remains a gap in consistent engagement with mental health services.
Integration of Technology in Therapy:
When designed with young users in mind, technology can enhance engagement in mental health interventions through features like gamification, interactive interfaces, and multimedia content. This insight informed the recommendation to integrate personalized and gamified elements into the platform to maintain user engagement and make mental health interventions more appealing.
Importance of Personalization:
The literature indicated that young adults seek personalized mental health experiences. Tailoring services to individual needs not only improves engagement but also enhances the effectiveness of interventions.
Literature Review Findings
I further created a list of ‘How Might We…’ questions to help me better align the user’s needs and goals:
How might we design a system that offers continuous guidance and support, helping them overcome obstacles and persist in their search for mental health support?
How might we design a mental health system that is more accessible and supportive, alleviating the challenges and overwhelming experiences faced by individuals in the initial phases of seeking mental health support?
Started asking more questions
I started brainstorming the elements of a self-managed mental health app to empower young people to find the help they need. I wanted to understand whether they are turning to online platforms or traditional methods for seeking mental health resources and identify the barriers in their search journey. My goal was to create a more accessible and supportive system that would alleviate the challenges and overwhelming experiences faced by individuals in the initial phases of seeking mental health support.
The Making of MoodLog
Evidence-based Recommendations
Guided System for Therapy Initiation
Develop a system that offers step-by-step guidance to help young adults start therapy. This includes explaining different types of therapy, costs, and what to expect during sessions to reduce feelings of overwhelm and encourage engagement.
Educational Content to Demystify Therapy
Offer accessible educational resources that clarify the therapy process, such as what happens during sessions and the benefits of various therapies. This aims to reduce anxiety and build confidence in seeking mental health support.
AI-Enhanced Search & User-Friendly Interface
Utilize AI for smart therapist recommendations and ensure the platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, simplifying the search process and supporting users throughout their mental health journey.
Personalized Content and Gamification
Integrate personalized recommendations and gamified elements (e.g., rewards for consistent mood tracking) to enhance engagement and make the mental health journey more interactive and enjoyable.
