With many school districts struggling to provide adequate mental health support, a startup called Sonar Mental Health is stepping in with an innovative solution: Sonny, an AI-powered “wellbeing companion.”
Unlike traditional chatbots, Sonny operates with a hybrid model, combining artificial intelligence with human oversight. When students send messages, the AI generates a suggested response, but trained human staff ultimately review and approve the replies, ensuring thoughtful and appropriate interactions.
Since launching its first school partnership in January 2024, Sonar Mental Health has expanded to nine districts, making Sonny accessible to over 4,500 middle and high school students. The company employs a team of six professionals, including experts in psychology, social work, and crisis intervention, to monitor conversations and provide support.
CEO Drew Barvir emphasizes that Sonny is not a replacement for a therapist. Instead, the chatbot serves as a first point of contact, guiding students to professional help when needed and collaborating with schools and parents to find appropriate resources.
This approach is particularly appealing to schools facing a nationwide shortage of counselors. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 17% of high schools lack a counselor entirely, leaving students without crucial mental health support. Sonny aims to fill this gap, offering students a safe space to express their concerns while helping schools manage growing mental health needs.
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