Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

What if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from Alongside, returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and families. From building trust through anonymity to boosting classroom attendance, Elsa shares research, real stories, and the myths she’s constantly debunking.

🎧 You’ll hear about:

• Why mental health support doesn't need to be 55 minutes long to make an impact

• The surprising issue most students anonymously seek support for (hint: it's not test anxiety)

• The difference between ChatGPT and what Alongside is actually doing with AI

Learn more about our guest:

Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Msc-GH, is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and behavioral health advocate who specializes in utilizing technology to expand access to youth mental health support.

She received her MS in Global Health and PhD in Clinical psychology from Duke University where she leveraged human-centered design to develop an app to support the implementation of a family therapy intervention in Kenya.

Dr. Elsa Friis has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles on the co-development, adaptation, and implementation of culturally salient youth interventions in the US and globally.

Clinically, Elsa has worked and trained in a variety of settings in NC and GA including schools, primary-care clinics, academic medical centers, and hospitals. She is trained in a variety of third-wave cognitive behavioral treatments for youth including DBT-A, ACT, and TF-CBT. She specializes in family-based approaches to treating anxiety, severe behavior concerns, and suicidal ideation.

Elsa firmly believes in co-creating products in partnership with the youth and stakeholders who will utilize them.

Learn more about the ground-breaking resarch they are doing:

https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting

[02:15] – What Alongside Does How Alongside supports students through tier one mental health interventions.

[05:30] – AI and Mental Health: What Makes Alongside Different Why this isn't just another ChatGPT wrapper—and how clinician-built tools matter.

[10:45] – The Power of Single Session Interventions How 5-minute check-ins can drive lasting change in student well-being.

[15:20] – What the Research Says About the Youth Mental Health Crisis Surprising findings about stress, social pressure, and how even fourth graders are feeling overwhelmed.

[20:00] – How Alongside Supports Educators Too Reducing burnout, building staff confidence, and offering private coaching tools for teachers.

[25:30] – What’s Next for Alongside New research, upcoming findings, and how to bring Alongside into your school or district.