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Bend Health, Inc., a pediatric mental health care provider, disclosed findings from a recent study showcasing the positive effects of online coaching sessions on anxiety and depression in youth. They demonstrated substantial improvements in mental health symptoms after minimal online coaching sessions.

Over 95% of youth with anxiety and depressive symptoms showed significant improvement during coaching with Bend Health. Notably, reliable progress appeared after just two sessions, with stable benefits seen after six sessions, lasting for at least two months beyond day-to-day fluctuations.

In a press release, Bend Health's co-founder Dr. Monika Roots explained how only a couple of coaching sessions show significant and lasting improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms among kids and teens. Early interventions like behavioral health coaching make a substantial difference in preventing severe mental health issues.

In a five-year analysis, it was found that between 2016 and 2020, the increase in anxiety and depression rates affected millions of youth, with inadequate mental health treatment for one in five, stressing the crucial necessity for improved accessibility of pediatric mental health services.

Coaching and mental health

The benefits of coaching on mental health have been a hot topic for experts in the field for the past few years now. Showing similar results in adults, a study conducted by BetterUp in 2021 showed that coaching bridged gaps in employee well-being support. 

In another study, researchers evaluated webSTAIR, an internet-based mental health program with coaching. They interviewed 60 patients and 9 providers. They found that there was a crucial role for coaches in aiding patient understanding and application of skills, and emphasized the significance of rapport for program success, as echoed by both patients and providers.