Jed Foundation
I helped build a mental health resource center to help kids get help right away.
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that works to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today… and tomorrow.
For years, JED had operated a range of real-world, in-person programs to prevent teen suicide. But what if their website, which at the time was largely promotional, could itself be a point of intervention? What if the JED site did more than provide information? What if it could actually get kids the help they needed, right away?
Working with a clinical psychologist, I developed copy and user flows that help site vistors quickly find the right information if there's an immediate need (e.g., "I need help" or "I want to help") while also providing the ability to browse the site for organizational information or conduct research on mental health in a less urgent way.
A major challenge of the site was that the whole subject matter is a potential trigger. Therefore great care was taken in choosing wayfinding messaging -- for example, avoiding terms such as "Go" or "Next" in favor of the more neutral "View" -- and at all times users are provided highly visible "off ramps" to get help immediately via phone or text.
In 2022, JED received a $15 million grant from MacKenzie Scott to expand their efforts to make a lasting impact on the mental health of teens and young adults.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text, call, or chat 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for a free confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.
You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.