As mental health challenges rise among young people, so does the demand for safe, accessible, and judgment-free ways to seek help. For many teenagers and young adults, the traditional path of finding in-person therapy can feel daunting or even impossible. Between fears of judgment, the need for parental involvement, and the high cost of therapy, barriers continue to keep young people from getting the help they need. Increasingly, they’re turning to digital platforms for support, and new research shows just how critical these virtual alternatives have become.
Hidden Strength, a free mental health app for young people, recently conducted a comprehensive survey of teenagers and young adults aged 14 to 24 across the U.S. and the U.K. The findings point to a growing preference for digital mental health tools—especially those that prioritize privacy and accessibility. Nearly 90% of respondents said they would use a free therapy app that is anonymous, confidential, and doesn’t require parental consent.
That figure speaks volumes about what young people are facing. Many who struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness say they want to get help but feel intimidated by the process of asking. Whether it’s concern about being taken seriously, or fear of their struggles being dismissed, teens often feel stuck in silence.
“When you’re young and struggling, the hardest part is asking for help; especially when you’re afraid of being judged, or worse… not taken seriously. That’s why I created Hidden Strength, to give young people a rare and vital thing: the freedom to speak openly without fear,” says Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength.
That fear of judgment is often compounded by structural and financial barriers. In many cases, teens are required to get parental consent before seeking therapy—something that can feel not only intimidating, but impossible in households where mental health isn’t taken seriously or is seen as a taboo topic. For LGBTQ+ youth, youth of color, and those in underserved communities, these challenges are even more pronounced.
Virtual platforms like Hidden Strength are emerging to meet this urgent need. By offering free access to licensed therapists and a supportive community through a phone or tablet, the app aims to remove the barriers that so many face. The goal is simple: provide a safe space where young people can feel heard, understood, and supported without jumping through hoops.
“We can’t keep saying we care about youth mental health while putting barriers in the way. Making therapy accessible—without cost, consent hurdles, or stigma—isn’t just helpful, it’s lifesaving. Every young person deserves a safe space to be heard,” Lunny says.
The rise in interest around virtual mental health tools also reflects how today’s young people experience the world. Gen Z has grown up immersed in technology, often turning to their devices as their first source of information, connection, and comfort. While that comes with risks, such as increased exposure to social media pressure or misinformation, it also presents an opportunity to bring meaningful mental health support directly to their fingertips.
Experts say that blending technology with mental health care may be one of the most effective ways to reach youth early and often, before problems escalate. Virtual platforms allow for flexibility, anonymity, and a sense of control, elements that are essential for building trust with a population that has long felt overlooked by traditional systems.
In recent years, reports from across the globe have shown that youth mental health is in crisis. The pandemic, economic instability, academic pressure, and constant access to news and social media have created a perfect storm. But young people are not without hope—they’re asking for help in new ways, and platforms like Hidden Strength are rising to the occasion.
By meeting young people where they are, on their phones, in their comfort zones, and on their own terms, virtual mental health tools have the potential to fill critical gaps in care. As more young people speak out about their needs and experiences, the message is clear: privacy, safety, and accessibility are not luxuries, they are necessities.
