TORONTO – Kids Help Phone released a new mobile app Wednesday in order to make counseling more readily available to young people across Canada, while promoting social and emotional health.
“Always There,” encourages users to read up on emotional heath and relationship topics, including anxiety, depression and abuse, while offering direct phone or online links to Kids Help Phone professional counselors.
“Our clinical philosophy is to recognize kids’ own strengths and input in finding solutions that are right for them,” said Kids Help Phone President and CEO Karen Wood in a press release.
“This app helps them connect with professional insights, but also helps them share some of their own answers and solutions with other kids. It sends a strong message that, no matter who or where you are, someone cares. You’re never alone.”
The app includes a “feelings log” so users can keep track of their moods and discuss what made them feel that way.
Kids Help Phone noted the importance of the release of the app so close to the holidays, as many young people may be dealing with feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety during the holiday season.
“It is very appropriate that the new app is called ‘Always There’ because Kids Help Phone has always been there for youth,” said Ontario’s minister of education Laurel Broten at the launch of the app in Toronto.
“The new app represents the next step in the continuing commitment of Kids Help Phone to the well-being of young people, and provides youth with one more way to access their trusted service.”
The first phase of the app will be available for iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices as of Wednesday. Additional features, along with a French version, will be available in early 2013.
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