Mason County, Wash., has partnered with software company United We Care to launch a digital mental health pilot aimed at expanding access to underserved areas.
Through the program, residents have 24/7 access to Stella, an AI-powered mental health companion, according to an Aug. 19 news release from United We care. The platform supports self-guided therapy, substance use screening, peer listening support, certified mental health coaching and referrals to licensed therapists. It was developed in collaboration with local clinics to ensure cultural relevance for the rural county, the release said.
In the first two months, 42% of users returned to the app, and 62% of users returned for multiple sessions. More than 2,000 messages were exchanged in that period, with conversations averaging 11 minutes.
The company is planning to expand the pilot across Washington and is evaluating multistate opportunities, the release said.
