Navi, Teen-Co-Designed Digital Wellness App, Launches Statewide in New Mexico to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis
核心洞察
Navi (搜索), a digital mental wellness platform co-designed with teens, launched statewide in New Mexico in June 2026, offering free access to all adolescents ages 13 to 18 through state funding.
The platform is built on evidence-based digital single-session interventions (SSIs) backed by over a decade of research from Northwestern University's Dr. Jessica Schleider.
Unlike many digital mental health tools, Navi (搜索) does not use generative AI for user interaction and is not diagnostic; it offers offline access for rural and tribal communities with limited internet connectivity.
A digital mental wellness platform co-designed with teenagers has launched across New Mexico, marking the first statewide expansion of an app built to address what its founders describe as a growing youth mental health crisis. Navi (搜索), which first debuted in 2025 in select communities in New York, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, became available free to all New Mexico teens ages 13 to 18 in June 2026 through funding from the New Mexico Health Care Authority (搜索)'s Behavioral Health Services Division.
The decision to make New Mexico the focus of Navi (搜索)'s first statewide expansion was driven by the state's staggering suicide rates and significant gaps in mental health resources, particularly in rural communities. The launch began in Taos County, where the community had experienced what officials described as "unimaginable loss."
"We are starting in Taos because the community has endured unimaginable loss, and we are committed to responding with meaningful, practical support," said Nick Boukas, director of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (搜索)'s Behavioral Health Services Division. "This launch is about giving young people something they can use right away—and about listening closely as we expand to other communities across the state."
A Platform Built on Single-Session Interventions
Navi (搜索) was founded by Julia Belt, Margaret Hines, and Dr. Jessica Schleider, a clinical psychologist, intervention scientist, and associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University. Schleider, the founding director of the Lab for Scalable Mental Health, is one of the world's leading researchers on evidence-based, single-session interventions (SSIs) for youth mental health.
The platform is built on digital SSIs backed by more than a decade of research from Schleider and her team. "Research has shown that these brief, targeted interventions can help reduce symptoms, increase help-seeking behaviors, and provide meaningful support in a scalable format," said Schleider.
Through short, self-guided activities, teens create personalized action plans around challenges such as school stress, friendships, emotions, and other life situations. Those plans are saved in a personal dashboard, and Navi (搜索) sends reminders to help users follow through and use the strategies they developed.
"Navi (搜索)'s mission is not to replace therapy, but to expand access to science-backed mental health support that teens can use when and where they need it," said Belt.
Co-Design and Youth Engagement
A distinguishing feature of Navi (搜索) is its Youth Advisory Model, which involves teenagers in every stage of development. Margaret Hines described the approach as "co-ownership in implementation to make sure we're giving teens something that's evidence-based and that they actually want and will use."
The rollout in New Mexico followed a pilot program in Taos County, where local teens tested the platform and helped customize its language, content, and design. State officials also plan to establish a youth ambassador network of 100 to 200 students to help guide outreach efforts as the program expands statewide.
"What I like about being a Navi (搜索) Advisor is that my advice is actually taken seriously, and I can see changes that I want right in the app," said Elia Hurtado, a teen advisor. Anthony Suazo added, "My favorite thing about Navi is that it actually gives real advice from teens here in New Mexico."
Technology and Safety Features
Unlike many digital mental health tools, Navi (搜索) is not a chatbot and does not use generative AI to interact with users. Every activity is designed by mental health experts and backed by research. AI is used only in a limited safety capacity to help identify potential concerns and connect teens with crisis resources and safety planning when needed.
The web-based platform is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, and computers, including iOS and Android devices. An offline version is also available to support rural, frontier, and tribal communities where internet connectivity may be limited. Navi (搜索) is not diagnostic and is designed for all teens, not only those with a mental health diagnosis.
"Navi (搜索) is designed for all teens, not only those with a mental health diagnosis, because mental health challenges affect everyone, and early support can help teens build skills before they reach a crisis point," said Belt.
Addressing a National Crisis
The founders' urgency is underscored by troubling national statistics. According to the CDC's NCHS Data Brief, one in three (34%) U.S. teens reports being bullied each year, yet fewer than half (44%) ever tell a trusted adult or school official.
"Millions of young people are struggling right now, and the barriers to support are real: cost, distance, provider shortages, not knowing where to start, or sometimes obstacles that are simply out of their control," said Belt. "Teens deserve support that's convenient to reach in the moment they need it, on the personal devices where they already are."
The company's long-term mission is to grow nationwide one state at a time, partnering with state agencies to fund free access for teens. As Hines put it, "Too often, young people in crisis don't know where to turn or how to ask for help. Navi (搜索) puts that lifeline directly in their hands and closes the gap between a teen in distress and the help that can save their life."
To celebrate the New Mexico launch, the state hosted a Teen Wellness Festival on June 28 at Red Willow Park in Taos, featuring music, food, family-friendly activities, and participation from more than 35 local organizations.