#USA #Brooklyn #Youth Mental Health #Somethings #Peer Support

Somethings Raises $19.2 Million in Series A Funding

In a significant step for mental health support among youth, Somethings has announced the successful completion of a Series A funding round amounting to $19.2 million. This funding is spearheaded by Catalio Capital, alongside notable participation from existing investors such as General Catalyst and Tusk Ventures. The funds will be deployed to enhance Somethings' digital platform aimed at offering mental health resources to teens and young adults aged 13 to 26.

The urgency for effective mental health solutions for young individuals is stark, particularly as statistics reveal a 62% increase in youth suicide rates, with nearly one in five high school students having seriously contemplated suicide (CDC, 2023). This situation underscores the rising mental health needs of young people in a landscape where traditional support systems are often slow to respond, reactive, and difficult for this demographic to access when they need help the most.

Somethings aims to address these pressing issues by completely reimagining how teenagers access mental health care. The platform emphasizes fostering genuine connections and relatability through support from Certified Peer Specialist mentors—trained young adults who have their own lived experience with mental health challenges. This unique approach facilitates early intervention, which is crucial in preventing escalation into crises.

To date, Somethings has made significant strides, assisting over 11,000 teenagers through partnerships with state agencies and Medicaid health plans across the United States. Collaborating with more than 200 schools and 250 community organizations, Somethings has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 65% reduction in depression and a 60% decrease in suicidal thoughts among the youth involved in their programs.

Patrick Gilligan, the Founder and CEO of Somethings, noted, "This funding enables us to enhance a model that is already effective, allowing us to reach young people during critical moments of need. The power of peer connections, complemented by appropriate training, clinical oversight, and technology, has the potential to transform the way young individuals experience mental health support on a larger scale."

The platform caters specifically to the realities of a teenager's life today. It allows users to connect with peer mentors whenever they need it, particularly during vulnerable times such as after school and late evenings when feelings of isolation can peak. With no waitlists, no barriers to transportation, and a stigma-free design, Somethings provides immediate and relatable support in a format that resonates with teenagers.

Utilizing advanced technology responsibly, Somethings enhances human care without diminishing it. Their proprietary technology does not engage directly with youth; it instead equips peer mentors with tools that facilitate engagement, support safety assessments, and enable prompt clinical escalation if necessary. The intention behind this tech use is to amplify human connection rather than substitute it.

The funds from the Series A round will further support:

• - Expansion of partnerships with Medicaid programs, state governments, schools, and healthcare organizations.
• - Ongoing investment in training peer mentors, clinical oversight, and outcomes centered around youth.
• - Enhancements to the platform for better accessibility and engagement.
• - Growth of the team necessary for sustainable long-term impacts.

With this milestone, Somethings is reaffirming their commitment to building a future in which every young person has someone to confide in, averting the feeling of struggling alone. Founded in 2021, Somethings is dedicated to empowering teens and young adults by merging trained peer mentors with technology-enabled support, aiming to help them navigate life's various challenges and build resilience for the future.

For more detailed information, visit Somethings’ official website at somethings.com.