Sharpen delivers the best ideas in mental health to communities faster.
Over the past 20 years, we have developed a radical approach to implementation research focused on improving mental health disparities.
Sharpen promotes mental health equity and inter-connectedness through:
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A social-ecological model approach to mental health literacy where all tiers of individuals are trained with age-appropriate, de-stigmatized content.
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Peer-focused documentary film-based trainings created in collaboration with community members and researchers.

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A technology platform that quickly and affordably deploys content to increase access, decreased tech barriers, increase engagement, and data-gathering capabilities.
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Ongoing psychosocial interventions to normalize the discussions around mental health and improve resiliency.
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Rigorous interaction with 200+ interdisciplinary researchers to decrease the average time (15 years) that it takes for research to translate into communities serving youth and families.
Our model has shown to (i) decrease risk and increase resilience, (ii) improve the shared protective factors for suicide, mental disorders and trauma, (iii) improve access to and utilization of quality mental health care, (iv) improve treatment outcomes among a variety of
populations (see Our Research).
Our mental health content is created through:
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Hundreds of collaborations with researchers and other experts
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Thousands of surveys and focus group interactions
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Thousands of documentary interviews with community members
Our mental health content is created through:
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Hundreds of collaborations with researchers and other experts
-
Thousands of surveys and focus group interactions
-
Thousands of documentary interviews with community members
Resulting in:
A library containing over 600 modules on over 200 mental health topics including over 4,000 peer-based videos
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"This app is a game-changer for any parent interested in improving their own mental health or mental health and wellbeing of their children"
Paige Stephenson, President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont

"Knowing that our students have access to a wealth of resources to support their mental health is reassuring, and also another important step we can take to reduce stigma around mental health in healthcare."
Natalie M. Fadel, PsyD
Associate Professor for Psychiatry and Neuro-Behavioral Sciences

"I'm relieved that the Sharpen resources are available to mitigate the long-term mental health risks facing our young adults"
Rahul N. Mehra, M.D. CEO, National Center for Performance Health
Demonstrated Value Through Focus Groups, Survey Data, and Real-World Results
86%
engagement with treatment
86% engagement with mental health treatment as a result of our peer-engagement formula.
90%
increased knowledge
90% increased knowledge in awareness of co-morbid conditions in mental health.
92%
recommended for others
92% recommended for others (based on survey responses for 400 educators, professionals, veterans and students)
