JACKSON, Wyo. — Since its launch in May 2023, more than 2,000 local users have accessed CredibleMind, a free online mental health platform provided by the Teton County Health Department.
The site provides curated, scientifically-backed mental health self-care resources through free access to assessments to help users understand their mental health. Resources include peer-reviewed apps, podcasts, books, articles and videos covering hundreds of mental health topics, as well as tools to help recognize symptoms and patterns and develop coping skills.
“We’re very excited about this new outbreak,” said Frances Wax, public health specialist for community prevention with the Teton County Health Department. Back rail Three in four people experiencing mental distress are interested in looking at self-help options before turning to therapy or medication.
“At first, people just want to learn and see what they can do on their own,” Wax says. “In that early stage, they’re looking to self-medicate.”
Wax explained that this data point helped create CredibleMind and introduce it to the community: Since launch, more than 2,700 sessions have been completed and 570 user self-assessments have been conducted.
“These people likely didn’t get assistance,” Wax said.
In January, the health department launched a marketing campaign using funding from a Jackson Hole Community Foundation Behavioral Health Initiative grant, which saw record engagement with 320 individual sessions and 256 site users.
April was the second most engaging month with 228 unique sessions and 196 site users.
“This data from April was important to us because it showed us that there is a need during the typical ‘slow season’ for people seeking access to mental health resources,” Wax said. “Community members may have more time to learn and reflect on what has happened to them in between busy periods.”
Wax said this real-time data will help the health department respond to local needs. Back rail We ensure that no personal information is shared when data is collected.
“When a topic reaches a certain number [accessed]”The health department has heard it’s a ‘prevalent need in the community,'” she said.
Trending local topics include depression, anxiety, stress, nutrition and parenting/attachment styles, which Wax says “suggests that people are struggling, they’re seeking help and they’re willing to learn new ways of thinking and coping that are healthy for their lives and social networks.”
Wachs explained that CredibleMInd is able to create resources specific to the community and has already curated resources for first responders.
“We want to continue to meet the needs of the community and help destigmatize these topics not just through our marketing but also in person,” Wax said, noting that the health department already shares mental health resources at in-person events like People’s Market, but the goal is to enter spaces where mental health discussions aren’t currently integrated.
“At some events, people express their gratitude just to have the health department there and talking about mental health,” Wax said.
“We’re finding that the community is interested in and willing to engage with tougher topics,” Wax said, adding that they plan to build on this momentum.
Editor’s note: The Health Department sponsored a Buckrail article to promote CredibleMind. The Jackson Hole Community Foundation is a Buckrail community partner.
If you’re in crisis and need help now, call, text or chat to 988. 988 Lifeline If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one who may need support during a crisis.
