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Teens Get Free Mental Health App in NM
24 Jul
Summary
- A digital wellness app co-designed with teens is now free in New Mexico.
- Navi app offers science-backed mental health support for youth aged 13-18.
- The app focuses on practical tools for everyday challenges and safety planning.
A new digital wellness app named Navi has been made available free to all New Mexico teens aged 13 to 18 as of June 2026. This initiative marks the app's first statewide expansion, with its launch in Taos reflecting broader state efforts to tackle mental health challenges. These include limited rural access to care, diverse population needs, high suicide rates, and the demand for scalable solutions.
Founded by Julia Belt, Margaret Hines, and Dr. Jessica Schleider, Navi aims to provide teens with immediate, judgment-free support on personal devices. The platform utilizes digital single-session interventions (SSIs) developed from over a decade of research. Teens can create personalized action plans for issues like school stress or emotional well-being, with the app offering reminders to follow through.
Navi's design process heavily involved teens through a Youth Advisory Model, ensuring the app is evidence-based and user-friendly. Unlike AI-driven chatbots, Navi's activities are created by mental health experts. Limited AI is used for safety, identifying concerns and connecting teens with crisis resources. The app's goal is to expand access to mental health support, particularly for youth in distress.
