Our Partners
We aim to expand the impact of MindBridge by partnering with nonprofits, local schools supporting students with disabilities, and youth-focused community groups. By equipping educators to integrate our free MindBridge tools into their classrooms and encouraging families to use MindBridge at home, we hope to foster greater inclusion and impact.
To learn more about how you can bring MindBridge into your community, email Kinsey at kinsey.nam@gmail.com or Ariya at ariyakaushek@gmail.com.
Funded by the Social Entrepreneurship in Action Grant
Applications of MindBridge
MindBridge is an innovative platform designed to support three key groups involved in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): parents, teachers, and children. Through dedicated portals for each group, we offer customized exercises, lessons, and worksheets focused on CBT concepts specifically tailored for children with developmental disabilities. We've also included an adult portal to support Transitional Aged Youth (ages 18–24), ensuring they have access to appropriate resources. Currently, there is a notable gap in CBT curricula designed for children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health disorders—MindBridge seeks to bridge that gap. Our curriculum is first being implemented at AbilityPath, a nonprofit organization in Redwood City that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. Moving forward, we aim to expand MindBridge to other nonprofits, disability-focused schools, and support groups nationwide.
Why MindBridge?
Comorbidity of Developmental Disabilities & Mental Health Disorders
During the year 2023, an estimated 16% of California children aged 0 - 17 had a developmental disability¹. 65% of those children with developmental disabilities had more than one chronic disability, and about 27% had more than three. Furthermore, children and adolescents with developmental disabilities are anywhere from three to six times more likely than their peers to struggle with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior². Developmental disabilities coupled with co-occurring mental health conditions can significantly impact various aspects of an individual's life, potentially leading to lowered self-esteem, increased communication barriers, difficulties with emotional regulation, and social isolation. Developmental disabilities and mental health conditions in children often share underlying biological factors, including genetic predispositions, neurological differences, and biochemical imbalances in the brain³. Diagnostic overshadowing is a cognitive bias where healthcare professionals mistakenly attribute symptoms of physical or mental health conditions to a person's pre-existing diagnosis, particularly in individuals with developmental disabilities, potentially leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment⁴. The mental health field faces a critical shortage of providers trained to work with developmentally disabled individuals while organizations struggle to maintain integrated treatment programs essential for effectively addressing co-occurring disorders⁵.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that aims to better understand our thoughts and change our behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a short-term approach typically lasting 5 to 20 sessions, is grounded in the principle that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are intricately linked and influence one another⁶. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in treating both young adults and transitional aged youth who have both mental health disorders and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and various learning disabilities. The CBT approach can be tailored to address specific developmental challenges by incorporating visual aids, cognitive supports, and interactive activities, particularly when targeting social skill and emotional regulation deficits.
A 2012 randomized controlled trial examining the effects of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and anxiety, revealed that 50% of children in the CBT group exhibited clinically significant positive treatment outcomes, in contrast to only 8.7% in the control group receiving standard interventions like medication management and school-based support⁷. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy's effectiveness stems from its dual approach: it helps young individuals modify their thought patterns through cognitive techniques while simultaneously altering their behaviors through behavioral interventions⁸. CBT is a brief yet problem-oriented approach that is more accessible for both children and families due to its focused nature. This therapy is versatile, being adaptable to various ages and severity levels, and can be delivered in individual, group, or family settings, as well as through online platforms, which our curriculum utilizes⁹.
About Us
Kinsey Nam
Kinsey Nam discovered a deep passion for mental health and education through her own experiences with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); after seeing how powerful CBT support strategies can be, she became committed to making these tools more accessible to others. Kinsey’s love for teaching and mentoring has shaped her work on both the research and volunteering sides, and through MindBridge, she hopes to help adolscents with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges build resilience and confidence, using CBT as a foundation for both emotional and academic growth. Kinsey believes that education is one of the most powerful forms of healing, and that with the right resources, every child can feel capable of shaping their own future.
Ariya Kaushek
Ariya Kaushek developed a strong interest in psychology and neuroscience due to a family history of neurological disorders including eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Having personally benefited from Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she has become passionate about raising awareness of CBT’s wide-ranging applications. Ariya has worked with the nonprofit SafeSpace to help reduce the stigma surrounding youth mental health, and with the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Commission to enhance the Youth Crisis Care Continuum for children in the county. Through her work with MindBridge, she hopes to expand access to free, accessible CBT resources—particularly for children with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health disorders. As someone with a diagnosed psychiatric condition herself, Ariya is committed to ensuring that no child feels limited by their disorder. She wants all children to have the tools and support they need to pursue their biggest dreams.
Adult Advisors
Throughout the development of MindBridge,
we have been grateful to receive direct guidance from both
Stefie Dominguez + Dr. Jill T. Levitt
Dr. Jill Levitt
Dr. Jill T. Levitt graduated with honors in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Boston University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as the Director of Training and Co-Founder of the Feeling Good Institute in Mountain View. With over 25 years of experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Levitt has trained with leading experts in the field. She has also co-taught cognitive behavioral therapy with Dr. David Burns at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Levitt is particularly passionate about helping individuals overcome depression and anxiety efficiently using CBT-based methods.
Stefie Dominguez
Stefie Dominguez began her career as a youth worker in East Palo Alto’s nonprofit sector, then contributed to an education technology startup before transitioning into counseling. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University and is a National Certified Counselor. Stefie brings years of experience in cognitive behavioral therapies to her current work as a Menlo Upper School Wellness Counselor.
Resources
Youth & Adult Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A 24/7 confidential support line for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for individuals of all ages, including youth and adults with disabilities.
Call or text 988
California Youth Crisis Line
A statewide, 24-hour hotline for youth (ages 12–24) and their families. Offers crisis intervention and referrals on mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, and more.
1-800-843-5200
Teen Line
A peer-to-peer hotline where trained teen volunteers provide support to other teens navigating depression, anxiety, relationships, and life stress.
1-800-852-8336 (6 PM–10 PM PT)
Text "TEEN" to 839863
Disability Rights California - Peer Self-Advocacy Line
Provides peer support for individuals with developmental disabilities navigating their rights and services.
1-800-776-5746
Local Youth Mental Health Non Profits & Governmental Organizations
(Inclusive of Disabilities)
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Provides essential services for youth ages 16–21 with disabilities, including those with IEPs, 504 plans, or other documented needs. DOR’s Student Services division supports job exploration, work-based learning experiences, post-secondary readiness, and self-advocacy skills essential for transitioning into adulthood.
CBEM (Creating Behavioral + Educational Momentum)
Offers behavior and crisis intervention services for individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. CBEM partners with regional centers and service providers to help clients navigate complex challenges, stay safe, and access long-term support.
NAMI California
(National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Provides education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness, including youth and those with developmental disabilities. Many local NAMI affiliates run youth programs, school-based mental health initiatives, and community workshops.
Mental Health Association of San Mateo County (MHA-SMC)
Delivers housing, case management, and peer support services for individuals with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities, including transition-aged youth (TAY).
Parent Support Groups for Children with Developmental Disabilities & Mental Health Disorders
Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Offers a wide range of support groups for parents and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, including groups focused on mental health, autism, anxiety, and mood disorders. Based in San Jose, serving the entire Bay Area.
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
San Francisco-based organization providing parent-to-parent support, information, and education for families of children with disabilities. Offers various support groups, including for families of children with dyslexia and other learning differences.
Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) Support Groups
Maintains a current list of support groups for families of children and adults with developmental disabilities, including culturally specific groups and those focused on particular disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, autism).
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA)
Mental Health Alliance: Provides support, education, and advocacy for families of individuals with Down syndrome and co-occurring mental health needs, with groups and resources for parents and caregivers.
Through the Looking Glass (TLG)
Offers direct services and support for Bay Area families of children and youth with disabilities, medical issues, and mental health challenges, including home-based services and family support groups
Local Schools for both Adult & Children with Developmental Disabilities
The Phillips Academy (Alameda)
Serves youth with complex behavioral, social, emotional, and educational needs, grades 6–15
Bayhill High School (Berkeley)
Specializes in individualized instruction for high school students with learning differences and disabilities.
California School for the Deaf (Fremont)
Public K–12 school providing comprehensive education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Morgan Autism Center (San Jose)
Offers educational programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, ages 5–22.
Kaleidoscope Community Adult Program (Dublin/Walnut Creek)
rovides community-based programming, employment readiness, and independent living skills for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Articles & Research Reports on the Comorbidity of Mental Health Disorders & Developmental Disabilities
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Population Reference Bureau, analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, ed., "Children with Major Developmental Disabilities," Population Reference Bureau, last modified January 2024, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.kidsdata.org/topic/92/disabilities/table
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Candice Case, "Developmental Disabilities and How They Affect Mental Health," CTS Health: Integrated Wellness, last modified March 11, 2024, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.ctshealth.org/blog/developmental-disabilities-and-mental-health
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Bogenschutz Lineberry, "Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Behavioral Support Needs in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," Springer Nature: Community Mental Health Journal, last modified January 5, 2023, accessed December 20, 2024, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-023-01091-4
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Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, "Barriers to care for people with co-occurring mental health disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities," Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, last modified June 27, 2024, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.healthymindspolicy.org/research/barriers-to-care-for-people-with-co-occurring-mental-health-disorders-and-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities
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Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, "Barriers to care," Healthy Minds Policy Initiative
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Stefan Hofmann et al., "The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses," Cognitive Therapy and Research: Springer Nature, last modified February 28, 2013, accessed December 20, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3584580/
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Judy Reaven et al., "Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Children with High‐functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety: A Randomized Trial," Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 53, no. 4 (2011): [Page 11], accessed December 20, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02486.x
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Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children," NYU Langone Health, accessed December 20, 2024, https://nyulangone.org/conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder-in-children/treatments/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-in-children
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Robert Friedberg, "The Efficacy and Effectiveness of CBT for Youth: A Summary of the Literature," Beck Institute: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, last modified January 13, 2021, accessed December 20, 2024, https://beckinstitute.org/blog/efficacy-and-effectiveness-of-cbt-for-youth