Google Partners with Selena Gomez to Provide Mental Health Resources to 1 Million Students

Google has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at enhancing mental health resources for high school students and teachers. The $10 million Teen Mental Health Initiative will be dedicated to providing essential mental health support to one million students and 10,000 educators across the United States.

Collaboration with Selena Gomez and Mental Health Organizations

A notable aspect of the initiative is its partnership with Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, alongside other leading youth mental health and education nonprofits. The funding will be allocated to these organizations to expand mental health resources in schools and communities.

Justin Steele, Director of Google.org America, highlighted the growing concern around teen mental health. He noted that Google Searches for ‘teen mental health’ have doubled over the past four years, reaching an all-time high in 2023. Steele emphasized the importance of providing teens with the tools and support needed to foster healthy mental health habits. “As teens navigate the complexities of today’s world, it’s crucial that they have the tools and support to develop healthy, positive, and productive mental health habits. We’ve learned so much by supporting leaders in the youth mental health space to create this initiative and we’re excited to help get resources into the hands of teens and teachers across the country,” he said.

Selena Gomez’s Commitment

In a blog post, Selena Gomez expressed her dedication to ensuring that no young person feels isolated in their mental health struggles. “We have to give teens resources so that they can build strong, positive, and productive mental health habits. That’s why at The Rare Impact Fund, we want to expand access to mental health services by meeting young people where they are: the classroom. We’re proud to team up with Google to help achieve that goal,” Gomez stated.

Teacher Training and Resources

Recognizing the critical role teachers play in supporting students’ mental health, Google.org has also funded three prominent nonprofits—Child Mind Institute, JED Foundation, and The Steve Fund—to develop mental health training for educators. The initiative includes nine 30-minute training courses designed to equip teachers with the skills needed to address teen mental health issues effectively. Teachers who complete a course will receive a $200 credit for DonorsChoose, further supporting their educational efforts.

Future Outlook

This partnership represents a proactive step toward addressing the pressing issue of teen mental health and underscores the importance of providing both students and teachers with comprehensive resources. The Teen Mental Health Initiative aims to create a supportive environment in classrooms, helping to build resilient and mentally healthy young individuals.