How 'Bout Now: Creating a New Solution for BIPOC to Access Mental Health Support

The Problem

Over 50 million U.S. adults struggle with mental illness, with ages 18–25 most affected. Yet not all communities have equal access to support. Approximately 7 million Black Americans face mental health challenges — yet access to culturally competent, affordable, and stigma-free resources remains deeply unequal.

54% of respondents in this study believe that stigma still attaches to mental health issues, creating an additional barrier beyond cost and availability.

The Solution: How ‘Bout Now

University of San Diego students created How ‘Bout Now (HBN) — an AI-powered chatbot app called Nala, designed specifically for Black students and other people of color. Nala functions as a customizable chatbot persona that allows users to discuss mental health struggles privately, on their own terms, at any hour.

The Research

GroupSolver® partnered with the HBN team to survey 199 respondents on the app concept — gathering data on mental health experiences, current app usage, and reactions to the How ‘Bout Now concept.

Current Mental Health Landscape

• 66% of respondents currently struggle with mental health issues; another 15% have done so previously
• Only 26% have never experienced mental health challenges
• 74% do not currently use any mental health apps — representing a significant opportunity

Concept Reception

• 70% agreed the app would “attract a younger generation connected to their phones”
• 64% found the concept “interactive and easy to use”
• 76% valued 24/7 availability as a key benefit — being able to get support anywhere, anytime
• 69% valued simply “having someone to talk to”

Primary Hesitation

The most common concern: a preference for communicating with real humans rather than an AI avatar. This insight informed the team’s roadmap for making Nala feel more personal and responsive.

Conclusion

“There is no one right solution for everyone when it comes to mental health.” The research confirmed real demand for the HBN concept — particularly its accessibility and always-on nature — and provided the team with a clear picture of both the opportunity and the product experience improvements needed to maximize adoption.