Mental Health Chatbot for Schools | Bridging the Counseling Gap

Supporting Student Mental Wellbeing with AI: Introducing Sonny

Many school districts are facing challenges in providing adequate mental health support for their student populations. To address this need, Sonar Mental Health has developed a platform called Sonny, designed as a “wellbeing companion.”

How Sonny Works: A Hybrid Approach

According to reporting in the Wall Street Journal, Sonny functions as a chatbot utilizing both artificial intelligence and human oversight. Students can text their inquiries to Sonny, and the AI proposes potential responses.

However, it is crucial to note that human staff members have the final say in crafting the messages sent to students. This ensures a level of care and accuracy that purely AI-driven systems may lack.

Current Reach and Monitoring

Sonar Mental Health initiated its first school collaboration in January 2024. Currently, the platform is accessible to over 4,500 students attending middle and high schools across nine different districts.

The conversations facilitated through Sonny are actively monitored by a dedicated team of six professionals. These individuals possess expertise in fields such as psychology, social work, and crisis intervention.

Transparency and Limitations

CEO Drew Barvir has emphasized to both students and school administrators that Sonny is not intended to replace a qualified therapist.

When necessary, Sonar Mental Health staff collaborate with schools and families to connect students with appropriate therapeutic resources.

Addressing the Counselor Shortage

One significant factor driving the appeal of Sonny to school districts is the existing shortage of school counselors. The Department of Education reports that 17% of high schools currently operate without a counselor.

This lack of access to mental health professionals highlights the importance of innovative solutions like Sonny in bridging the gap and providing support to students in need.

Sonar Mental Health aims to provide a readily available resource, supplementing existing support systems and promoting student wellbeing.