A figure from the publication illustrates of STAND systems to manage assessment, risk management, care, and supervision.
A review by UCLA Depression Grand Challenge researchers, published in Neuropsychopharmacology on Aug. 29, 2025, summarizes the increasing need for effective mental health resources for young adults and positions the STAND system of care as a model of a scalable, tailored intervention that can close gaps in care for college student populations.
The article outlines the rise of anxiety and depression symptoms among 18- to 25-year-olds and the critical need for scalable care models that can overcome persistent barriers to prevention and treatment access in young adults: stigma, cost and limited accessibility.
The authors pose that STAND is a positive example of such an intervention: By combining digital screening, treatment, continuous symptom monitoring, and integration of suicide-risk and basic-needs support into a single system of care, STAND can increase young adults’ access to both preventative and treatment mental health resources.
The publication points to STAND implementations at UCLA and East Los Angeles College as evidence of STAND’s feasibility, scalability, and adaptability across varied settings. Current STAND implementations continue to refine program engagement strategies and the factors considered by algorithms when triaging initial treatment and adapting ongoing care.
Read the full article in Neuropsychopharmacology.
Authors: Kate Wolitzky-Taylor (lead), Alainna Wen, Nelson Freimer, Michelle Craske
