Wave: Science-Based Mental Health Solutions

Addressing a Growing Need for Youth Mental Wellness

Current statistics indicate a significant proportion of Generation Z is experiencing challenges with their emotional health. While not necessarily meeting the diagnostic criteria for mental illness, approximately 75% report struggling, suggesting a need for support beyond conventional encouragement. This is the core demographic that Wave, a new digital platform, is designed to serve.

Wave’s Inclusive Approach to Mental Health

Wave is preparing for a public beta launch in the coming year, followed by a wider consumer release later in the same period. The company was founded by Dr. Sarah Adler, a Psychiatry Professor and Clinical Psychologist at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is enthusiastic about detailing the app’s capabilities, but is maintaining some discretion until it’s broadly accessible.

Throughout her career, Dr. Adler has focused on developing innovative care delivery models that prioritize accessibility through user-centered design. She posits that combining data-driven digital solutions with the support of trained, affordable professionals – such as health coaches – represents the most effective method for delivering high-quality care on a large scale, particularly to historically underserved communities, including GSRM and BIPOC individuals.

A Glimpse into Wave’s Therapeutic Exercises

I inquired with Dr. Adler for an illustration of the types of exercises the app would offer.

“Our approach is deeply rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a well-established treatment for anxiety and depression. We observe that many suboptimal life choices stem from a lack of clarity regarding personal values. A values clarification exercise is a common practice in therapy, often costing upwards of $250 per hour. We’ve reimagined this exercise as a more captivating, game-like experience.

Through this interactive process, we aim to stimulate the desired neurochemical response in the brain, mirroring the effect of a traditional therapy session,” Dr. Adler explained. “Establishing clarity around one’s values provides a foundation for informed decision-making. It allows individuals to identify actions aligned with their core values. For example, considering long-term goals can help reconcile conflicting behaviors and guide choices.”

Recent Funding and Future Goals

The company recently announced the successful closure of a $2 million pre-seed funding round this past summer. Hannah Grey VC spearheaded the investment, with contributions from K50 Ventures, Tribe Capital, Alumni Venture Group, Verissimo Ventures, Conscience VC, and a selection of strategic angel investors.

“A substantial amount of capital is being directed towards mental health initiatives – exceeding $2.5 billion in 2020 alone – yet many of these products lack a strong scientific basis, inclusive user experiences, and demonstrable, repeatable results,” Dr. Adler stated. “At Wave, our focus extends beyond business metrics like downloads and sign-ups; we are dedicated to achieving tangible, measurable outcomes for individuals who have historically faced barriers to care.”

Integrating with Existing Digital Habits

“Rather than competing with social media, we aim to integrate with it. We recognize the necessity of meeting users where they are, particularly for a generation heavily reliant on their mobile devices. We refer to this as our digital ecosystem, which combines evidence-based content with immersive experiences inspired by cutting-edge video game technology. This goes beyond simple reward systems; we’re leveraging the video game industry’s expertise in maintaining user engagement with learning materials,” Dr. Adler clarified.

“We craft these immersive experiences to encourage continued use, ultimately fostering improvement in users’ well-being.”