Addressing the growing mental health crisis among students, Sonar Mental Health has introduced Sonny, an innovative chatbot designed to bridge the counseling gap in understaffed schools.
Sonny combines AI with human oversight to provide students with confidential and accessible mental health support. Students initiate conversations via text, and AI suggests responses which are then reviewed and approved by a dedicated team of mental health professionals.
As of January 2024, Sonny is available to over 4,500 middle and high school students across nine districts. The six-person team monitoring the chats holds expertise in psychology, social work, and crisis intervention.
CEO Drew Bavir emphasizes that Sonny should not replace professional therapy. The chatbot serves as a supplement, connecting students with therapists when necessary.
This approach aligns with the current shortage of counselors in schools. The Education Department reports that 17% of high schools lack counselors altogether. Sonny provides a bridge, offering immediate support and reducing students’ feelings of isolation and stigma.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
