Content Warning: This article discusses topics related to mental health challenges, systemic inequities, and suicide rates among marginalized communities. If you find these topics distressing, please prioritize your well-being and seek support as needed.
The mental health challenges of BIPOC and queer youth continue to grow, yet existing support systems often fail to meet their needs. Whether it be due to cultural stigma, gender-affirming spaces, or even financial barriers, mental healthcare inaccessibility prevails. The conversation of youth mental health took center stage after the COVID-19 pandemic, where studies showed an increase in anxiety and depression among marginalized youth. Asian females saw a 136% increase in rates of anxiety and depression, Hispanic males saw a 190% increase in rates of depression, and there was also an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors for both Asian (171% increase) and Black (90.2%) females. 41% of LGBTQ+ youth stated that COVID-19 impacted their ability to express their LGBTQ identity, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth (56%). “Our findings show this is a real problem that we need to urgently address on all fronts,” says Laura Prichett, Ph.D., M.H.S.
Technology and Mental Healthcare
Headstream, an innovation program by SecondMuse, leads the charge in programming and services that foster youth co-creation. The program brings youth from diverse backgrounds into conversations with youth mental health tech startup leaders participating in their Accelerator. Headstream collaborated with the Jed Foundation and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to create the K-12 Mental Health Tech Navigator. The Mental Health Tech Navigator is a free, web-based resource designed to guide K-12 administrators and educators through selecting and implementing digital tools and products to support student mental health and well-being.
Doing the legwork for K-12 district and school staff, the K-12 Mental Health Tech Navigator lists a Digital Well-Being Product Index, featuring digital mental health solutions. A few of these products such as Backpack Healthcare and Sonar, contain AI tools designed to bridge the mental healthcare gap. “The mental health care system is facing a massive provider shortage. AI can play a role in creating alternatives, supplementing the existing workforce, and providing new pathways to support,” says David Ball, the Global Head of Health, Education, and Technology at SecondMuse.
The Role of AI in Addressing Mental Health
In some cases, AI has done more harm than good, ultimately furthering racial and gender biases. Is there a chance for AI to be used for good?
“One way to combat bias in AI is to do what Headstream does—prioritize diverse cohorts, especially first-time founders and those with different lived experiences,” says Ball.
Addressing capacity issues and furthering productivity can be a way for AI to bridge the mental healthcare gap for marginalized folks and create a positive impact on society… as long as it’s curated and fine tuned by the communities it will be serving.
Sabrina Abdalla, Program Manager of the Youth Collective at Headstream shares, “AI tools must be intentionally designed with diverse data sets, co-created with marginalized youth, and continuously tested for bias to ensure they are culturally competent. At Headstream, we prioritize co-creation with youth from all backgrounds to shape digital well-being tools, advocate for ethical digital tools including AI development, and partner with organizations committed to equity in mental health technology.”
The Importance of Inclusive Healthcare
It is imperative that the gaps in mental healthcare for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth are closed, furthering the wellbeing of all youth. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth face unique stressors that significantly impact their mental well-being. Discrimination and a lack of cultural competency are roadblocks standing between marginalized youth and a happy, healthy life.
According to the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, conducted by The Trevor Project, 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Furthermore, youth holding intersectional identities—such as a multicultural background and LGBTQ+ identity—experience even more intense adversity when seeking mental healthcare. A blog post on Compass Health Center notes that in 2022, 60% of LGBTQ youth were unable to access mental health care.
How AI Can Further Inclusive Care
“I see AI as a tool that has the potential to expand access to personalized, affirming mental health resources for youth at large by offering culturally relevant support and reducing barriers like stigma and cost. It also has the potential to address the unique challenges systemically excluded communities face by providing identity-affirming interventions, real-time crisis support, and connections to peer and professional networks that understand their lived experiences.” says Abdalla.
AI has the potential to further inclusive mental healthcare if created by and with marginalized communities.
