by Imani Lucas, MS
As a mental health advocate and founder of United and Guided (UAG), I have spent years working to bridge the gaps in behavioral health services for underserved communities.
The launch of California’s new free Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform is a significant step toward equity in mental health care, particularly for our youth.
At United and Guided, we see firsthand the impact of unaddressed mental health challenges in justice-involved youth, young fathers, and families of color.
Barriers such as lack of culturally competent providers, financial hardship, and systemic healthcare disparities continue to prevent families from getting the care they need.
That’s why Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is so critical.
These new digital resources, BrightLife Kids and Soluna, provide free, accessible mental health support—regardless of income, immigration status, or health insurance.
Breaking Barriers to Mental Health Access
Mental health is often overlooked in communities of color, where stigma and lack of access to care create major barriers.
Studies show that two-thirds of California youth with depression don’t receive treatment, and the need for early intervention has never been greater.
The Soluna app (for ages 13-25) and BrightLife Kids (for parents and children 0-12) provide:
✔ One-on-One Coaching – Free live coaching in English, Spanish, and all Medi-Cal threshold languages
✔ Culturally Responsive Support – Access to diverse behavioral health professionals who understand different lived experiences
✔ Peer Communities – Safe, moderated spaces where youth can connect and share experiences
✔ Crisis and Safety Protocols – Direct referrals to emergency services, including 988, for those in immediate crisis
For families in Sacramento struggling to navigate Medi-Cal mental health benefits, these apps provide a lifeline for support, without long wait times or insurance restrictions.
United and Guided’s Commitment to Whole-Person Care
At UAG, we have long recognized that mental health is not separate from physical health—it’s a fundamental piece of whole-person care. That’s why our Enhanced Care Management (ECM), Day Habilitation, and Doula Care programs take a trauma-informed approach.
Through partnerships with Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans like Anthem, Kaiser, and Independent Living Systems, we support Medi-Cal members with:
✅ Mental Health Peer Support – Providing lived-experience guidance to youth and adults in recovery
✅ Fatherhood Mentorship – Supporting fathers in navigating co-parenting, mental wellness, and career development
✅ Doula Care & Maternal Health – Reducing Black maternal mortality through co-ed birth support and advocacy
✅ Justice-Involved Youth Development – Helping youth transition from incarceration to education, employment, and stability
Now, with BrightLife Kids and Soluna, families have another powerful tool in their mental health toolkit.
These apps reinforce our mission to eliminate barriers and normalize mental wellness conversations in Black and Brown communities.
- A Call to Action for Families
If you or your child need mental health support, I urge you to explore BrightLife Kids and Soluna.
These platforms provide free, evidence-based tools to improve emotional well-being.
For more support, United and Guided is here to help.
We work directly with Medi-Cal members, fathers, and justice-involved youth to provide comprehensive, culturally competent behavioral health services.
Together, we can break the cycle of mental health disparities and build a stronger, healthier future for our youth.
📲 Learn More: Visit CalHOPE.org to download the apps today.
Imani Lucas, MS, is the founder of United And Guided, a community-based healthcare organization dedicated to mental health, fatherhood support, doula care, and youth development. With over 25 years of experience, he advocates for whole-person care and innovative solutions to address behavioral health disparities in underserved communities.
