Feinberg Prof. Jessica Schleider’s mental health platform to partner with University of Notre Dame wellness project

January 28, 2026 - 14:57

A pioneering digital mental health initiative is launching a new three-year partnership in St. Joseph County, Indiana, home to the University of Notre Dame. The program aims to promote youth mental wellness and address critical gaps in accessible care.

The effort centers on providing the community with free, immediate access to Project YES (Youth Empowerment & Support), an evidence-based platform developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Schleider. The platform offers single-session, interactive online modules designed to equip young people with tools to manage challenges like stress, anxiety, and low mood. These brief interventions are based on therapeutic principles and are intended to serve as a proactive, low-barrier resource.

This expansion is part of the broader St. Joseph County Universal Wellness Project. The partnership seeks to integrate these digital tools into local wellness ecosystems, providing a scalable supplement to traditional services. Organizers emphasize the goal of meeting youth where they are—online—and offering support before crises develop. The program represents a significant step toward universal, preventative mental health resources for the area's younger residents, focusing on building resilience and coping skills widely.