New tech nonprofit Hopebound is filling a gap in mental health when youth and teenagers need it most. Even before the pandemic hit and everyone switched to virtual platforms to get things done, Stanford MBA graduate, Christina Guilbeau recognized the benefits of virtual platforms for underserved students.

With this platform, underserved students are able to use the services of mental health professionals on a regular basis. The success of the site and the void it fills makes one wonder why no one thought of it sooner.

Hopebound works by providing a safe, virtual platform where youth can access mental healthcare providers in much the same way they would visit therapists for treatment. The platform removes the need to travel and find an affordable provider in their neighborhood, which may be underserved. For many young adults, the costs of mental health providers are not within their means, and social services are not available to them either.

The platform’s greatest success is giving these young adults a constant, regular professional to speak to. Often times, those that are unable to afford regular mental health treatment see a different professional for each visit, making it hard to gain trust and make any real progress. By providing access, these barriers to treatment are removed and Hopebound patients can gain real, live treatment.

The beauty of Guilbeau’s platform is that not only does it serve youth in need of mental health services, but it also assists residents in gaining the clinical hours that they need. The challenge of working the minimum hours has been difficult for many to achieve during the pandemic, but Hopebound is making it possible.

As a virtual platform, Hopebound makes sense because it is always available and can be used anywhere the patient is. Many families that have young adults using the platform are unable to provide transportation to and from a doctor during office hours, so with a virtual setup, a visit can take place in the home. Even during a pandemic where stay at home orders are in effect visits can be maintained and kept, eliminating any disruption to treatment.

Christina Guilbeau saw a need and found a solution to the problem using tech, her network, and common sense.

For more information, visit New Horizon Counseling Center’s website.