Teens Create App to Improve Mental Health Anytime and Anywhere
Category: On Our Radar
Published: Sunday, 15 February 2026 20:08
Rebecca Ludwig
Charley Wolf and Theo Kertesz StayMindful is a free mental wellness app created by teens, for teens. The app empowers users to manage stress and anxiety through guided meditations, visual breathing exercises, and evidence-backed advice in articles. StayMindful exemplifies how student-led innovation can tackle real-world challenges with empathy, technical skill, and purpose. We asked a few questions to the team behind StayMindful- Scarsdale High School Juniors Theo Kertesz and Charley Wolf. Here is what they had to say:
How did you come up with the idea for StayMindful?
We came up with the idea for StayMindful after seeing how many of our peers were struggling with stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges without knowing where to turn. We also noticed that many existing resources felt overwhelming, inaccessible, or stigmatizing. We wanted to create a space that was free, easy to use, and designed specifically for teens, with digestible content and tools that make mental health feel normal and approachable.
How did the app become popular at Scarsdale High School?
The app grew primarily through word of mouth. We also gave several presentations to Scarsdale High School classes and worked closely with school psychologists, which helped introduce StayMindful in a trusted and familiar setting. That direct connection to the school community played a big role in its growth.
What are some of your main goals for the app?
Our main goals are to reach as many teens as possible and make StayMindful a reliable mental health resource. We want to continue growing our user base, partner with schools and mental health organizations, and eventually reach 10,000 downloads. Right now, we are proud to have already surpassed 1,000 downloads.
What are some of your accomplishments since starting StayMindful?
Since launching the app, StayMindful has reached over 1,200 downloads and earned a 4.9-star rating on the App Store. We have also surveyed more than 60 students, who reported feeling an average of 4 out of 5 levels calmer after completing a short breathing exercise in the app. In addition, we have received positive feedback and testimonials from psychologists and mental health professionals, which has helped validate the app’s impact.
In what ways can StayMindful help students, specifically in Scarsdale?
StayMindful helps Scarsdale students better understand what they are experiencing through relatable articles and simple tools. The app includes easy-to-use breathing exercises and content designed to support students dealing with academic stress, test anxiety, and everyday pressures common in a high-achieving environment.
What are your plans to continue spreading awareness for mental health in the future?
We plan to continue partnering with mental health organizations, organizing events, and presenting to students whenever possible. Building a strong community presence and keeping conversations around mental health open and accessible is a major focus moving forward.
Would you like to spread your message beyond Scarsdale, or keep it within the town?
While StayMindful started in Scarsdale, our goal is to expand well beyond the town. We have already shared the app with psychologists and organizations outside of Scarsdale, and we hope to continue reaching teens in many different communities.
How can people in Scarsdale support StayMindful?
People in Scarsdale can support StayMindful by using the app, sharing it with friends, organizations, or anywhere they think it could help, and by giving us feedback. Suggestions for new features and improvements play a big role in shaping the app as it continues to grow.
Have you received any feedback that surprised you or caused you to modify your app?
One of the most important pieces of feedback we received was from schools regarding privacy. In response, we created a separate school-friendly version of StayMindful that does not collect any personal information, including names or accounts, so students can use it comfortably and schools can confidently support it.
How are you working as a team to manage the app, and how do you envision managing it in the future?
StayMindful is led by Theo and Charley and supported by a team of 15 students who work collaboratively across development, content, and outreach. We also have an expert advisory group of two mental health professionals who help guide the app’s direction. Moving forward, we plan to continue improving the app, expanding the team, and sharing StayMindful with even more students.
Download the StayMindful app, or visit their website here: https://staymindful.org/