Grand Challenge 5

Over a billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition and/or cognitive disability, but only a fraction receive the care and support that they need to fully participate in daily life.

Cost and a shortage of behavioral health and other providers are two of the biggest factors that prevent people from accessing a diagnosis and treatment, and that access can vary widely based on someone’s location. Meanwhile, a shortage of data hinders society’s ability to adequately address these challenges. Allen School researchers are working with clinicians and community partners to explore how technology could be used to help overcome these barriers and massively improve access to high-quality cognitive and mental health support — which will increase the well-being of individuals and communities here in Washington and around the world.