In an innovative approach to tackling mental health challenges among youth, three students from Eastlake High School in Sammamish have introduced CheersAI, a platform designed to offer free and accessible mental health support. The founders, Dhruv Reddy, Balaji Prasanna Venkatesh, and Rithvik Rathinasabapathy, have created a tool that simplifies access to mental health resources, addressing key barriers such as accessibility, affordability, and versatility.
CheersAI (https://cheersai.co) features a 24/7 AI therapist accessible via call or chat, with options for pre-set prompts or open-ended conversations. The service is completely free and anonymous, ensuring privacy and removing financial obstacles to mental health support. This initiative was inspired by a local tragedy, underscoring the urgent need for more accessible mental health resources for young people.
The platform's simplicity is its hallmark, as highlighted by CEO Dhruv Reddy. The straightforward chat and call features enable students to share their feelings easily, which can be a vital step in overcoming difficult periods. While primarily aimed at high school students, CheersAI's design allows it to serve a broader audience, including parents and individuals seeking specific types of support, such as sleep aids.
The founders' firsthand understanding of their peers' needs has been instrumental in shaping CheersAI. Their close connection to the community facilitates quick feedback and adjustments, making the platform more attuned to user requirements than those developed by larger entities. CTO Balaji Prasanna Venkatesh emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, judgment-free space for students to express themselves.
Launched during a time when mental health awareness is paramount, especially among the youth, CheersAI addresses the heightened mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its free, accessible, and anonymous support model positions it as a potentially transformative tool in student well-being.
CheersAI exemplifies the impact of youth-led innovations in addressing societal issues. Its success could inspire other young entrepreneurs to leverage technology for social good, marking a significant advancement in the provision of mental health support to young people.
