Background:

Digital mental health (DMH) tools use technology (e.g., websites, mobile apps) to conveniently deliver mental health resources to users in real-time, reducing access barriers. Underserved communities facing healthcare provider shortages and limited mental health resources may benefit from DMH tools, as these tools can help improve access to resources.

Objective:

The current study described the development and feasibility evaluation of the Emotional Needs Evaluation and Resource Guide for You (ENERGY) System, a DMH tool to meet the mental health and resource needs of youth and their families developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ENERGY System offers a brief assessment of resource needs; problem-solving capabilities; and symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and alcohol/substance use followed by automated, personalized feedback based on the participant’s responses.

Methods:

Individuals aged 15 years and older were recruited through community partners, community events, targeted electronic health record messages, and social media. Participants completed screening questions to establish eligibility, entered demographic information, and completed the ENERGY System assessment. Based on the participant’s responses, the ENERGY System immediately delivered digital resources tailored to their identified areas of need (e.g., relaxation). A subset of participants also voluntarily completed the following: COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS) or COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey Adolescent and Young Adult Version (CEFIS-AYA); resource needs assessment; and feedback on their experience using the ENERGY System. If resource needs (e.g., housing, food insecurity) were endorsed, lists of local resources were provided.

Results:

A total of 212 individuals accessed the ENERGY System link; 96 (45.3%) individuals completed the screening tool and 89 (40.6%) received resources. Participant responses on the mental health screener questions triggered on average two intervention domains (M = 2.04, SD = 1.94). Behavioral Activation/Increasing Activities was the most frequently launched intervention domain (56.3%) and domains related to alcohol or substance use were the least common (4.2%). The most frequently requested support areas were finances (33.3%), transportation (26.0%), and food (24.0%). The CEFIS and CEFIS-AYA indicated higher than average impacts from the pandemic (i.e., average scores > 2.5). Participants were satisfied with the ENERGY System overall (65%) as well as the length of time it took to answer the questions (90%), which they found easy to answer (87%).

Conclusions:

The current study provided initial support for the feasibility of the ENERGY System, a DMH tool capable of screening for resource and mental health needs, and providing automated and personalized free of cost resources and techniques to meet the identified needs. Future studies should seek direct feedback from community members to further improve the ENERGY System and dissemination to encourage use.