Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into an exciting development in the world of education technology.

As many school districts face challenges in supporting the mental health of their students, a pioneering startup named Sonar Mental Health has stepped up with an innovative solution known as Sonny, a dedicated wellbeing companion.

Sonny isn’t your typical chatbot; it operates through a blend of artificial intelligence and a small team of human experts. When students message Sonny with their concerns or questions, an AI suggests responses, but trained professionals are the ones crafting the messages sent back.

The journey of this initiative began with Sonar signing its first school partnership in January 2024. Now, Sonny is actively serving over 4,500 middle and high school students across nine districts.

The beauty of this system lies in its monitoring process, which involves a passionate team of six individuals with backgrounds in psychology and social work. They ensure that students are supported and heard, although CEO Drew Bavir clarifies that Sonny is not a substitute for a therapist.

With a notable counselor shortage in schools—reported at a staggering 17% of high schools lacking adequate staff—this approach is particularly appealing to many districts.

Sonar is committed to working closely with schools and families to find appropriate therapists for students who need further assistance.