--- title: "Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year | Sutter Health" description: "Sutter's Scout app is an innovative tool for youth ages 13 to 22, empowering them to manage their mental health with confidence and ease." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Patient Stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) / 3. Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year # Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year * * * 2024 In a world where mental health challenges are more visible than ever, Sutter Health has taken a bold step to offer vital support to young people. Last fall, the healthcare system expanded its [Scout](https://scout.sutterhealth.org/launchpad/) app, an innovative tool initially launched to improve the mental well-being of teens and young adults. Today, the app is accessible to all youth ages 13 to 22, along with their champions — family members, friends, and caregivers — empowering them to manage their mental health with confidence and ease. “Scout is more than just an app — it’s a digital toolkit that empowers young people and manage their mental health every day,” said Chris Waugh, chief design and innovation officer at Sutter Health. “We recognize that teens and young adults face unique challenges, and they deserve tools tailored specifically to their needs.” Since its launch, Scout has gained impressive traction, with over 18,000 downloads, and it’s no surprise why. The app’s innovative approach to mental health earned it a [prestigious Webby Award](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/scout-by-sutter-health-wins-prestigious-webby-award-for-health-wellness-and-fitness-app-excellence/#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20Scout%20by%20Sutter%20Health%E2%84%A2,the%2028th%20Annual%20Webby%20Awards.) , recognizing its impact on mental health and technological innovation. Available both as a mobile app and on the web, Scout is more accessible than ever. The platform offers content in both English and Spanish, ensuring a broader audience can benefit from its resources. “What truly sets Scout apart from other mental health platforms is its non-clinical, educational approach,” said Waugh. The app takes users on an interactive resilience journey, equipping them with tools to build practical skills that can make a difference in their day-to-day lives. Harvard University freshman Sarah Yee, who uses Scout daily, explains, “What I love about Scout is that it’s not just something you turn to in a crisis. It’s designed to help you build healthy habits. I use it in the mornings and at night, and it’s a comforting presence that’s always available.” Regular screenings for anxiety and depression allow users to check in on their mental health, and Scout’s integration with clinical resources ensures those who need more in-depth care are directed to the right place at the right time. Recognizing that mental health challenges is a shared journey, Scout offers resources to the young people’s champions in their lives — family members, friends and caregivers “Mental health challenges don’t happen in isolation. By educating families and caregivers, we’re creating a stronger support system for young people,” said Waugh. “These resources help caregivers and peers better understand the stressors and challenges that teens and young adults face.” Yee, who volunteers as a crisis counselor, also sees Scout as an invaluable resource for parents. “What surprised me most is how interested parents are in Scout,” Yee said. “They find it hard to talk to their kids about mental health. I’ve recommended Scout to parents because it offers a non-confrontational way to support their kids’ mental health without making it seem like a big, scary issue. I also love how Scout’s Champion feature specifically provides support for parents/caregivers so they can empower themselves and become more aware of their mental health.” With its expanding reach and continued focus on innovation, Scout by Sutter Health is not just an app — it’s a movement. A movement dedicated to empowering the next generation to take charge of their mental well-being, one skill at a time. ## Discover similar stories Choose a service topic below to read more stories like this one. [Behavioral health care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories?verticalKey=patient_story&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_services.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Behavioral+health+care%22%5D%7D%5D)[Child and adolescent behavioral health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories?verticalKey=patient_story&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_services.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Child+and+adolescent+behavioral+health%22%5D%7D%5D) ## Your Mental Health Matters Talk to someone who cares. Our mental health providers are here to support you. [Book an Appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/book-appointment) ## Related articles [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) - Patient story ### [Getting NorCal Teens Best Mental Health Support Is a Priority](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/getting-norcal-teens-best-mental-health-support-is-a-priority-2023563880) Audrey struggled with severe depression and suicidal thoughts. The care and support at Sutter Center for Psychiatry made all the difference. - Patient story ### [One Man’s Battle for Sobriety Leads to Transformation](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/one-mans-battle-for-sobriety-leads-to-transformation-2023563877) At MPI, part of Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, the treatment philosophy goes beyond detoxification into comprehensive healing. - Patient story ### [Hospital Offers Hope When Other Depression Therapies Fail](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/hospital-offers-hope-when-other-depression-therapies-fail-2023563904) After years of medication for his depression, James turned to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for a way to start feeling better. [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) ## Disclaimer _Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice._ ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patient Stories","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864#article","name":"Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year","headline":"Mental Health Support App Helps Thousands in First Year","abstract":"Sutter's Scout app is an innovative tool for youth ages 13 to 22, empowering them to manage their mental health with confidence and ease.","description":"Sutter's Scout app is an innovative tool for youth ages 13 to 22, empowering them to manage their mental health with confidence and ease.","keywords":["Mental health","Emotions and Mental Health","Behavioral health care","Child and adolescent behavioral health","Mental Health"],"datePublished":"2024-10-18","dateModified":"2026-01-22","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864","inLanguage":"en-US","isAccessibleForFree":true,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mental-health-support-app-helps-thousands-in-first-year-2023563864#breadcrumblist"}},"author":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/JHr0xrnmz9F-PK4mLr21UdqnWMB5-elrOQsG54178BM/fit=crop,gravity=auto,width=1200,height=630"},"articleBody":"In a world where mental health challenges are more visible than ever, Sutter Health has taken a bold step to offer vital support to young people. Last fall, the healthcare system expanded its Scout app, an innovative tool initially launched to improve the mental well-being of teens and young adults. Today, the app is accessible to all youth ages 13 to 22, along with their champions — family members, friends, and caregivers — empowering them to manage their mental health with confidence and ease. “Scout is more than just an app — it’s a digital toolkit that empowers young people and manage their mental health every day,” said Chris Waugh, chief design and innovation officer at Sutter Health. “We recognize that teens and young adults face unique challenges, and they deserve tools tailored specifically to their needs.” Since its launch, Scout has gained impressive traction, with over 18,000 downloads, and it’s no surprise why. The app’s innovative approach to mental health earned it a prestigious Webby Award, recognizing its impact on mental health and technological innovation. Available both as a mobile app and on the web, Scout is more accessible than ever. The platform offers content in both English and Spanish, ensuring a broader audience can benefit from its resources. “What truly sets Scout apart from other mental health platforms is its non-clinical, educational approach,” said Waugh. The app takes users on an interactive resilience journey, equipping them with tools to build practical skills that can make a difference in their day-to-day lives. Harvard University freshman Sarah Yee, who uses Scout daily, explains, “What I love about Scout is that it’s not just something you turn to in a crisis. It’s designed to help you build healthy habits. I use it in the mornings and at night, and it’s a comforting presence that’s always available.” Regular screenings for anxiety and depression allow users to check in on their mental health, and Scout’s integration with clinical resources ensures those who need more in-depth care are directed to the right place at the right time. Recognizing that mental health challenges is a shared journey, Scout offers resources to the young people’s champions in their lives — family members, friends and caregivers “Mental health challenges don’t happen in isolation. By educating families and caregivers, we’re creating a stronger support system for young people,” said Waugh. “These resources help caregivers and peers better understand the stressors and challenges that teens and young adults face.” Yee, who volunteers as a crisis counselor, also sees Scout as an invaluable resource for parents. “What surprised me most is how interested parents are in Scout,” Yee said. “They find it hard to talk to their kids about mental health. I’ve recommended Scout to parents because it offers a non-confrontational way to support their kids’ mental health without making it seem like a big, scary issue. I also love how Scout’s Champion feature specifically provides support for parents/caregivers so they can empower themselves and become more aware of their mental health.” With its expanding reach and continued focus on innovation, Scout by Sutter Health is not just an app — it’s a movement. A movement dedicated to empowering the next generation to take charge of their mental well-being, one skill at a time."} ```