By Estella Kessler
As a school board member in one of California’s most diverse and hard-working communities, I hear from families every day who are struggling. Struggling to put food on the table. Struggling to keep up with rent. And increasingly, struggling to find mental health support for their children.
The reality is heartbreaking, but not surprising. California is in the middle of a youth mental health crisis. And in our Latino communities, where stigma, access, and affordability have long been barriers, that crisis is hitting even harder.
But something is working. And we can’t afford to lose it. Two programs, Soluna and BrightLife Kids, are providing free, fast, and culturally relevant mental health support for California’s children, youth, and families. They’re part of the state’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and they are one of the smartest investments we’ve made in a long time.
Why? Because these platforms are meeting kids where they are, on their phones, in their language, and on their schedule.
While traditional counseling often means months of waiting or traveling long distances (something many of our working families simply can’t do), Soluna offers drop-in coaching in less than 15 minutes. BrightLife Kids typically connects families with live coaching support in less than two days. Both platforms operate in more than seventeen languages, have services available in the evenings, and are designed for families who don’t have the luxuries of time, money, or flexibility.
This is a game-changer for our students. These platforms allow teens who would never step into a counselor’s office to reach out for support through a chat; and allow families of kids under twelve, who may be overwhelmed and out of options, to find relief and guidance. These platforms help prevent small struggles from becoming full-blown crises, and that doesn’t just support young people and families; it strengthens our schools and communities.
These services aren’t crisis lines, they provide easy and confidential access to professional mental health support. Our students don’t just feel stressed at school; they need access to support in the evenings and weekends outside of traditional school hours. Trained coaches from Soluna are available to connect outside of school hours, and busy families can reach out to BrightLife Kids when they have five minutes to seek guidance for their child rather than wait for an appointment. These services can also connect individuals with resources and organizations working in their schools and community.
These platforms fill gaps where traditional systems have left our most vulnerable students and families without options. I was thrilled to learn that it is reaching communities like ours! According to platform data, 44% of respondents or individuals engaged with the live service identify as Hispanic or Latino.
As a school board member, I know that when our students are mentally healthy, they are more likely to succeed in the classroom. When we have effective, accessible tools like these, we relieve pressure on our overwhelmed school counselors, nurses, and staff.
Let’s be clear: our public education system cannot solve the youth mental health crisis alone. We need community-wide, statewide solutions. That means continuing to invest in accessible programs, not pulling back when they’re just starting to make a difference.
At a time when too many of our children feel isolated, anxious, or unseen, these platforms offer connection, care, and hope. For many, they are the only mental health support they’ve ever received. This is not the time to pull back. It’s time to double down.
If we’re serious about supporting Latino families, if we’re serious about equity and mental health, we must ensure these services not only survive but thrive. Let’s continue to invest in solutions that work.
I urge our state leaders: don’t take this lifeline away.