Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among U.S. teens are on the rise, according to a recent report from the Center for Disease Control. The study revealed that nearly one in three girls have seriously considered suicide, with 13% actually attempting it. The causes of this adolescent mental health crisis are still not fully understood, but psychologists have put forth various theories.
One theory suggests that increased smartphone and social media usage may be contributing to these issues. The constant exposure to curated lives on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, the pandemic-induced isolation has exacerbated the problem, as teens have been cut off from their usual support systems and social interactions.
However, regardless of the cause, the real challenge lies in finding effective solutions to address this growing problem. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of mental health professionals across the country, making it difficult for teenagers to access the help they need.
Jake Sussman, one of the co-founders of the mental health network Headway, believes that his new startup, Marble, can help tackle this crisis. Marble offers online group therapy specifically designed for children in grades five through 12. Sussman’s decision to create this service was influenced by his experience as a fifth-grade English teacher in Brooklyn. He witnessed firsthand how broken the mental health care system for children is.
Sussman noted that many schools have limited resources when it comes to counseling services. Despite the efforts of school counselors, they often struggle to arrange timely help for students due to their heavy caseloads. This lack of access to mental health care can have devastating consequences, as illustrated by the story of Jamelia, an orphan who had to wait three months to see a therapist because she was covered by Medicaid.
To address the shortage of mental health professionals, Marble offers group therapy sessions instead of individual sessions. Research has shown that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy. However, many mental health professionals do not offer group therapy due to the administrative challenges involved.
Marble aims to solve these logistical issues by providing online group therapy sessions. Sussman believes that online therapy may even be more effective than in-person treatment, as it allows for more specific and targeted groups. For example, a group consisting of 17-year-old girls with anxiety who identify as Hispanic and LGBTQ would be virtually impossible to assemble in person. Online therapy can bring together individuals with shared experiences and provide them with the support they need.
Unlike other teletherapy startups that partner directly with school districts, Marble works with school counselors who have the authority to make referrals. Instead of charging school districts for their services, Marble accepts insurance, including Medicaid. This approach is economically feasible because Medicaid will pay at least $20 per child for a group session. With 10 kids in a group, Marble can generate enough revenue to pay therapists a competitive rate and build a sustainable business.
Marble has already tested its approach with one school in New York City and plans to expand its services to hundreds of counselors throughout New York State in the upcoming school year. The company aims to provide accessible and timely mental health care to students, alleviating the burden on overwhelmed counselors and helping teenagers get the help they need.
In conclusion, the surge in mental health issues among U.S. teens requires innovative solutions. Marble’s online group therapy platform offers a promising approach to address the growing problem of adolescent mental health crises. By partnering with school counselors and accepting insurance, Marble aims to make mental health care more accessible and effective for students across the country.