United We Care and Mason County Launch Innovative Mental Health Pilot Combining AI and Human Interaction

In an exciting development aimed at enhancing mental health support, United We Care, a global deep-tech mental health company, has partnered with Mason County, Washington, to introduce a groundbreaking digital mental health pilot program. This initiative is particularly significant as it seeks to address the pressing mental health care shortages in rural America, traditionally referred to as mental health care deserts.

The pilot program offers residents of Mason County round-the-clock access to both mental health and substance use support. With early results displaying notable engagement, 50% of users have scheduled a session with a licensed mental health professional, while a striking 72.5% completed clinically validated mental health assessments. Furthermore, the program's AI-powered mental health companion, referred to as Stella, has engaged an impressive 93% of participants.

Stella is noteworthy as the world's first AI wellness agent capable of both cognitive reasoning and relational connectivity. This innovative tool equips residents with a multifaceted approach to mental health, providing them with not only immediate support but also access to self-guided therapy content, substance use risk assessments, certified mental health coaching, peer listening services, and referrals to licensed therapists available within the network.

Developed in collaboration with local healthcare clinics, the program is designed to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility, specifically catering to the unique needs of Mason County's rural populace. Ritu Mehrotra, founder and CEO of United We Care, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, noting that over 150 million Americans currently reside in areas that lack sufficient mental health professionals. Washington state has seen alarming increases in depression, suicide rates, and substance abuse, emphasizing the critical need for timely interventions.

The innovative pilot program is envisioned as a remedy for the entrenched barriers to mental health care that many in Mason County face, such as geographic isolation, economic constraints, and societal stigma. By providing a remote and confidential support structure that is covered by insurance, the initiative effectively dismantles numerous obstacles, particularly for those grappling with substance use challenges.

David Windom, director of Mason County Public Health and Human Services, expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating, "This program represents a significant step toward revitalizing hope and connection within our community. By offering accessible, 24/7 mental health support to our residents, we are empowering individuals with the necessary tools to navigate through difficult times, while also reassuring them that they are not alone in their struggles."

In the program's initial two months, data revealed that 42% of users returned to the app for subsequent engagements, and among those who interacted with Stella, 62% sought additional sessions. More than 2,000 messages were exchanged with the AI companion within that timeframe, with the average conversation lasting around 11 minutes. Remarkably, Stella was also capable of identifying high-risk mental health conditions in real-time, triggering emergency protocols when necessary—demonstrating the AI's potential life-saving capabilities during critical situations, especially in the late-night hours.

Looking ahead, United We Care is actively planning to broaden this pilot program throughout the state of Washington and is examining prospects for a potential federal or multistate rollout based on the encouraging feedback received thus far. The Stella platform is set to continue evolving, adapting to adequately support a variety of mental health challenges, with real-time input from Mason County users guiding enhancements.

About United We Care

United We Care is a pioneering deep-tech mental health company responsible for the creation of Stella, the world’s first AI wellness agent designed to think, reason, and connect with users 24/7 in over 120 languages. This groundbreaking technology is part of a more comprehensive AI-driven mental health ecosystem that offers precise and intelligent triaging, self-help resources, clinical management, and community support—underpinned by one of the most extensive Clinical Knowledge Graphs globally. With a notable impact on over 5 million lives across five countries and supported by 12 patents and 25 world records, United We Care exemplifies the future of accessible mental health services.