Supporting Mental Well-Being for New Mothers and Teens

Mental health challenges among new mothers, teens, and young adults continue to be a major public health concern in the United States. For families living in underserved or low-income communities, accessing consistent mental health support can be especially difficult. 

Maternal mental health conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety can affect a parent’s emotional stability, daily functioning, and ability to bond with their child. These challenges often extend into the next generation. Young people growing up in stressful environments frequently experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 

When financial strain and structural barriers limit access to care, families may struggle to find reliable mental health support. A recent initiative from UnitedHealthcare and Optum, featuring the text-based program Cope Notes, offers insight into how accessible tools can help improve mental well-being in underserved communities. 

Why Mental Health Access Is Challenging in Underserved Communities 

Many families face significant obstacles when trying to access traditional mental health care. 

Common barriers include: 

• Limited access to transportation for in-person appointments 

• Work schedules or caregiving responsibilities that limit flexibility 

• Lack of smartphones, internet connectivity, or data plans 

• Stigma surrounding mental health treatment 

• Difficulty engaging with complex healthcare systems 

Providers working with Medicaid-eligible families often report that outreach attempts go unanswered—not because individuals do not want support, but because the process of accessing care can feel overwhelming or impractical. 

To improve mental health access in underserved communities, healthcare organizations must find ways to deliver support that fits naturally into people’s daily lives. 

A New Approach to Maternal and Youth Mental Health Support 

Recognizing these challenges, UnitedHealthcare and Optum explored ways to offer mental health support that was practical, accessible, and easy to engage with. 

As part of a broader initiative, they integrated Cope Notes, a text-based mental health support program designed to help individuals build healthier thought patterns through brief daily messages. 

Unlike many digital health tools, Cope Notes removes several barriers to participation: 

• No internet connection required 

• No smartphone app needed 

• No appointments or scheduling 

• Accessible from any basic mobile phone 

This simple format makes text-based mental health support especially useful for individuals facing logistical and economic barriers to traditional care. 

Reaching Families Through Multiple Pathways 

The initiative introduced Cope Notes in two key ways. 

Support Between Care Navigation Touchpoints 

First, the program was offered to members already participating in hands-on care navigation services. The messages served as an additional layer of support between provider interactions. 

A Standalone Option for Families Who Declined Traditional Care 

Second, the program was offered as a standalone option for families who declined more intensive services. This second pathway proved especially important. 

Many individuals who decline traditional care are not rejecting support altogether—they are often declining processes that feel inaccessible, time-consuming, or mismatched to their circumstances. 

By providing multiple ways to engage with mental health support, UnitedHealthcare and Optum ensured that help could still reach individuals who might otherwise remain unsupported. 

Strong Engagement With Simple Mental Health Support 

After outreach efforts across mail, phone calls, and in-person interactions introduced eligible families to the program, engagement began to grow. 

One of the most notable outcomes was the level of consistent participation. Two out of three participants engaged with Cope Notes daily. 

For populations historically described as “hard to reach,” this level of engagement is uncommon. The results demonstrate that when mental health support is simple, stigma-free, and easy to access, people are more likely to incorporate it into their everyday lives. 

Reported Benefits for New Mothers and Teens 

Participants reported several positive mental health outcomes, including: 

• Feeling more positive and less anxious 

• Improved ability to manage daily stress 

• Better sleep and mood stability 

• Increased motivation to adopt healthier routines 

Some participants also reported that receiving supportive messages reduced their perceived need for additional care such as therapy or medication. 

For new mothers adjusting to early parenthood and teens navigating emotional development, the program provided consistent encouragement during challenging periods. 

Building Confidence in Mental Health Self-Management 

One of the most meaningful outcomes from the initiative was a measurable increase in self-efficacy. 

Nearly half of participants reported feeling more confident in their ability to manage their mental health after using the program. 

Confidence plays a critical role in long-term mental health outcomes. When individuals feel empowered to manage their emotional well-being, they are more likely to: 

• develop healthier coping strategies 

• seek additional resources when needed 

• maintain positive mental health habits 

Even small interventions—like short daily messages—can help build resilience over time. 

Addressing Mental Health Inequities 

Mental health disparities remain a significant concern across the United States. 

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that individuals living in low-income environments are more than twice as likely to experience depression compared to those in higher-income households. 

These disparities highlight the need for accessible mental health tools that can reach individuals facing structural barriers to care. 

Programs like Cope Notes help address these challenges by: 

• removing scheduling barriers 

• reducing stigma through private participation 

• providing support without requiring internet access 

• offering consistent mental health reinforcement 

For both maternal mental health support and teen mental health support, accessible tools can serve as an entry point to broader care. 

Expanding Mental Health Support for Underserved Communities 

Encouraged by the early success of the initiative, UnitedHealth Group and Optum are planning a multiyear expansion to bring this approach to additional regions. 

The expansion reflects growing recognition that improving mental health outcomes—especially in underserved communities—requires flexible and scalable solutions. 

Text-based support tools can function as: 

• an entry point to mental health care 

• a bridge between provider interactions 

• a complement to traditional therapy and treatment 

When programs are designed to meet individuals where they are, participation becomes more achievable. 

Small Moments of Support Can Create Lasting Impact 

Mental health support does not always require complex interventions. 

Sometimes, small and consistent moments of encouragement can help individuals build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and navigate life’s challenges more effectively. 

The UnitedHealthcare and Optum initiative demonstrates that when mental health support is accessible, simple, and stigma-free, it can reach families who might otherwise go without help. 

For new mothers, teens, and families facing structural barriers, these small daily messages can become powerful tools for long-term emotional health. 

Article based on a Cope Notes case study