Our next convening is scheduled for 2026
The Standard for Clarity
The Standard for Clarity
Fostering joint action to tackle the youth mental health crisis, MCert is your guide, providing science-backed Quality Standards to shift the digital health market from chaos to efficacy and confidence.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Youth mental health is still in crisis, with millions turning to digital tools for support. But without clear standards, it's hard to know what works or scale what does.
Youth mental health is still in crisis, with millions turning to digital tools for support. But without clear standards, it's hard to know what works or scale what does.
Youth mental health is still in crisis, with millions turning to digital tools for support. But without clear standards, it's hard to know what works or scale what does.
At MCert, we’re collaborating with leaders to design an efficacy framework for sub-clinical mental health tools for young people to instill Systemic Trust, increase sustainable adoption, and increase well-being.
Our mission is to establish a verifiable, non-partisan Quality Standard that future-proofs investment across the ecosystem.
At MCert, we’re collaborating with leaders to design an efficacy framework for sub-clinical mental health tools for young people to instill Systemic Trust, increase sustainable adoption, and increase well-being.
Our mission is to establish a verifiable, non-partisan Quality Standard that future-proofs investment across the ecosystem.
At MCert, we’re collaborating with leaders to design an efficacy framework for sub-clinical mental health tools for young people to instill Systemic Trust, increase sustainable adoption, and increase well-being.
Our mission is to establish a verifiable, non-partisan Quality Standard that future-proofs investment across the ecosystem.
Our Vision: A Win–Win–Win Future
MCert believes in a triple win for the digital youth mental health ecosystem. We envision a future where all system enablers, from community leaders to youth, can easily find trusted, effective, and safe sub-clinical mental health tools, enabling a lifestyle of sustainable mental health and well-being.
Our Vision: A Win–Win–Win Future
MCert believes in a triple win for the digital youth mental health ecosystem. We envision a future where all system enablers, from community leaders to youth, can easily find trusted, effective, and safe sub-clinical mental health tools, enabling a lifestyle of sustainable mental health and well-being.
Our Vision: A Win–Win–Win Future
MCert believes in a triple win for the digital youth mental health ecosystem. We envision a future where all system enablers, from community leaders to youth, can easily find trusted, effective, and safe sub-clinical mental health tools, enabling a lifestyle of sustainable mental health and well-being.
For Beneficiaries (Youth)
We start with young people because they are the primary users of digital tools, and the future adults our systems must be designed to support. Centering youth ensures that the solutions built today lay the foundation for lifelong well-being. When digital mental health tools meet scientifically rigorous Quality Standards, young people gain access to safe, clear, and effective support they can trust. (Imagine a young person seeking support and easily finding a digital tool grounded in science, equity, and safety—earning confidence from youth and the adults who serve them.)
For Youth
Youth are the primary users of digital tools and will become the next generation of adults. Designing effective mental health tools for young people creates solutions that are safer, more accessible, and more effective for everyone. (Imagine a teen wanting support and finding an app that’s been vetted by research and trusted institutions)
For Youth
Youth are the primary users of digital tools and will become the next generation of adults. Designing effective mental health tools for young people creates solutions that are safer, more accessible, and more effective for everyone. (Imagine a teen wanting support and finding an app that’s been vetted by research and trusted institutions)
For System Enablers (Payors)
Payors need clarity to navigate a saturated market filled with unverified tools. MCert establishes non-partisan Quality Standards that ease decision-making, build confidence, and mitigate risk, allowing payors to invest in solutions that are safe, effective, and aligned with sustainable well-being goals. (Imagine a health plan recommending an anxiety-support app knowing it meets MCert Quality Standards—delivering measurable value while reducing downstream costs.)
For Payors
Payors want solutions that work, but there’s an overwhelming number of options and no clear way to know what’s effective. Defined standards and outcomes will enable health providers, insurers, and public entities to confidently evaluate and adopt the most suitable tools. (Imagine a health plan recommending an app for anxiety, knowing it's been independently certified and shown to decrease the need for more intensive care.)
For Payors
Payors want solutions that work, but there’s an overwhelming number of options and no clear way to know what’s effective. Defined standards and outcomes will enable health providers, insurers, and public entities to confidently evaluate and adopt the most suitable tools. (Imagine a health plan recommending an app for anxiety, knowing it's been independently certified and shown to decrease the need for more intensive care.)
For Builders (Innovators)
Innovation is advancing quickly, but without clear, trusted standards, promising tools struggle to scale. MCert provides a clear, science-backed pathway that helps innovators understand what criteria matter, how to meet them, and how to demonstrate credibility to system enablers. This creates the Systemic Trust needed for sustainable adoption and investment. (Imagine building a youth-centered tool that not only resonates with users—but is trusted by payors, policymakers, and the full ecosystem, unlocking real pathways to scale.)
For Innovators
Currently, innovation is outpacing evaluation- this hinders adoption, funding, and impact. We will create a clear path to market for those building youth-centered mental health tools- innovators will know what benchmarks to meet, how to get there, and who’s ready to support them. (Imagine building a tool that’s not only loved by users—but trusted by systems and able to scale.)
For Innovators
Currently, innovation is outpacing evaluation- this hinders adoption, funding, and impact. We will create a clear path to market for those building youth-centered mental health tools- innovators will know what benchmarks to meet, how to get there, and who’s ready to support them. (Imagine building a tool that’s not only loved by users—but trusted by systems and able to scale.)
Why Now
Why Now
Why Now
No Common Language
Digital mental health tools are multiplying rapidly, yet the ecosystem lacks a shared way to define, categorize, or evaluate them. While numerous frameworks already exist, they are fragmented, inconsistently applied, and difficult for many users and system enablers to navigate—perpetuating confusion rather than clarity.
No Common Language
Digital mental health tools are multiplying rapidly, yet the ecosystem lacks a shared way to define, categorize, or evaluate them. While numerous frameworks already exist, they are fragmented, inconsistently applied, and difficult for many users and system enablers to navigate—perpetuating confusion rather than clarity.
No Common Language
Digital mental health tools are multiplying rapidly, yet the ecosystem lacks a shared way to define, categorize, or evaluate them. While numerous frameworks already exist, they are fragmented, inconsistently applied, and difficult for many users and system enablers to navigate—perpetuating confusion rather than clarity.
Innovation Outpacing Infrastructure
The surge of new products, accelerated by generative AI, has outpaced the systems designed to assess quality, safety, and effectiveness. Markets cannot keep pace without clear, trusted standards and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Innovation Outpacing Infrastructure
The surge of new products, accelerated by generative AI, has outpaced the systems designed to assess quality, safety, and effectiveness. Markets cannot keep pace without clear, trusted standards and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Innovation Outpacing Infrastructure
The surge of new products, accelerated by generative AI, has outpaced the systems designed to assess quality, safety, and effectiveness. Markets cannot keep pace without clear, trusted standards and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Rising Reliance on Digital Support
More people are turning to digital tools for mental health support, but many offerings remain unproven or inconsistent in quality. Without clarity, system enablers risk investing in solutions that fail to deliver—or worse, cause harm.
Rising Reliance on Digital Support
More people are turning to digital tools for mental health support, but many offerings remain unproven or inconsistent in quality. Without clarity, system enablers risk investing in solutions that fail to deliver—or worse, cause harm.
Rising Reliance on Digital Support
More people are turning to digital tools for mental health support, but many offerings remain unproven or inconsistent in quality. Without clarity, system enablers risk investing in solutions that fail to deliver—or worse, cause harm.
Unprecedented Deregulation
In the US, federal oversight of digital mental health tools is receding just as the need for accountability is growing. This widening gap leaves payors, policymakers, and the public without the guardrails required to make informed decisions.
Unprecedented Deregulation
In the US, federal oversight of digital mental health tools is receding just as the need for accountability is growing. This widening gap leaves payors, policymakers, and the public without the guardrails required to make informed decisions.
Unprecedented Deregulation
In the US, federal oversight of digital mental health tools is receding just as the need for accountability is growing. This widening gap leaves payors, policymakers, and the public without the guardrails required to make informed decisions.
Our Approach
We are launching in 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-phase effort to bring clarity, confidence, and Systemic Trust to the digital mental health ecosystem. Our approach is collaborative, rigorous, and designed to move from need to real-world impact.
Our Approach
We are launching in 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-phase effort to bring clarity, confidence, and Systemic Trust to the digital mental health ecosystem. Our approach is collaborative, rigorous, and designed to move from need to real-world impact.
Our Approach
We are launching in 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-phase effort to bring clarity, confidence, and Systemic Trust to the digital mental health ecosystem. Our approach is collaborative, rigorous, and designed to move from need to real-world impact.
Convene Leaders Q1 2026
We begin by bringing together leaders across public health, technology, research, policy, and community advocacy. This curated group will surface the core challenges, align on shared priorities, and begin shaping the foundations for evaluating digital mental health tools. Their insights anchor the development of a trusted, non-partisan approach.
Convene Leaders Q1 2026
We begin by bringing together leaders across public health, technology, research, policy, and community advocacy. This curated group will surface the core challenges, align on shared priorities, and begin shaping the foundations for evaluating digital mental health tools. Their insights anchor the development of a trusted, non-partisan approach.
Convene Leaders Q1 2026
We begin by bringing together leaders across public health, technology, research, policy, and community advocacy. This curated group will surface the core challenges, align on shared priorities, and begin shaping the foundations for evaluating digital mental health tools. Their insights anchor the development of a trusted, non-partisan approach.
Co-Create a Blueprint Q2 2026
Working collectively, we will develop a blueprint that defines clear, science-backed criteria and practical strategies for assessing digital mental health tools. This blueprint will also outline a go-to-market roadmap for testing, refining, and validating the emerging Quality Standards in real-world environments.
Co-Create a Blueprint Q2 2026
Working collectively, we will develop a blueprint that defines clear, science-backed criteria and practical strategies for assessing digital mental health tools. This blueprint will also outline a go-to-market roadmap for testing, refining, and validating the emerging Quality Standards in real-world environments.
Co-Create a Blueprint Q2 2026
Working collectively, we will develop a blueprint that defines clear, science-backed criteria and practical strategies for assessing digital mental health tools. This blueprint will also outline a go-to-market roadmap for testing, refining, and validating the emerging Quality Standards in real-world environments.
Move to Action in 2026 and beyond
With the blueprint established, we will move into active piloting with partners across sectors. This phase will demonstrate how trusted standards can simplify decision-making, unlock responsible innovation, and strengthen the broader ecosystem. As pilots advance, we will continue growing a community committed to building, supporting, and investing in effective, sustainable digital mental health solutions.
Move to Action in 2026 and beyond
With the blueprint established, we will move into active piloting with partners across sectors. This phase will demonstrate how trusted standards can simplify decision-making, unlock responsible innovation, and strengthen the broader ecosystem. As pilots advance, we will continue growing a community committed to building, supporting, and investing in effective, sustainable digital mental health solutions.
Move to Action in 2026 and beyond
With the blueprint established, we will move into active piloting with partners across sectors. This phase will demonstrate how trusted standards can simplify decision-making, unlock responsible innovation, and strengthen the broader ecosystem. As pilots advance, we will continue growing a community committed to building, supporting, and investing in effective, sustainable digital mental health solutions.
Throughout this work, we will center youth perspectives and equity, ensuring that our approach reflects the realities of those most impacted and creates a more inclusive, accountable ecosystem for all.
Throughout this work, we will center youth perspectives and equity, ensuring that our approach reflects the realities of those most impacted and creates a more inclusive, accountable ecosystem for all.
Throughout this work, we will center youth perspectives and equity, ensuring that our approach reflects the realities of those most impacted and creates a more inclusive, accountable ecosystem for all.
Join the Newsletter
The newsletter is coming soon with…
Early insights and research from the field
Previews of the quality standards as they evolve
Invitations to participate in events, campaign efforts, and pilot testing
The newsletter is coming soon with…
Early insights and research from the field
Previews of the quality standards as they evolve
Invitations to participate in events, campaign efforts, and pilot testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to your most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to your most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to your most common questions.
What is MCert?
MCert is a multi-phase initiative aimed at creating a unified standard for digital mental health tools. We're collaborating with leaders across public health, technology, and policy to define what “good” looks like and make digital mental health support safer, more effective, and easier to access.
What is the MCert Convening?
The MCert Convening is an event where health leaders, technologists, researchers, and policymakers come together to share input on evidence-based standards for subclinical digital mental health tools. It’s part think tank, part action plan.
Should I attend the convening?
The 2026 convening is intentionally small and focused on decision-makers in funding, policy, and system adoption. But this is just the beginning. Future phases will invite broader participation—including builders, researchers, youth advocates, and others helping to shape, test, and expand the blueprint.
How is MCert different from other mental health initiatives?
MCert is focused on uniting the mental health ecosystem around shared language and clear standards, and defined outcomes. We’re not tied to one stakeholder- we’re committed to building a trusted, neutral framework that clears a pathway for trust and adoption across systems.
How will MCert impact startups and digital tool creators?
By defining meaningful outcomes and creating a clear path to validation, MCert hopes to help startups build with clarity and confidence—knowing what benchmarks to aim for and how to gain traction with users, health systems and government.
How can I get involved with MCert’s mission?
Right now you can participate by signing up for our quarterly emails (we promise not to overload your inbox!) and following us on LinkedIn for updates. Sign up here—we’re building this movement together.
What is MCert?
MCert is a multi-phase initiative aimed at creating a unified standard for digital mental health tools. We're collaborating with leaders across public health, technology, and policy to define what “good” looks like and make digital mental health support safer, more effective, and easier to access.
What is the MCert Convening?
The MCert Convening is an event where health leaders, technologists, researchers, and policymakers come together to share input on evidence-based standards for subclinical digital mental health tools. It’s part think tank, part action plan.
Should I attend the convening?
The 2026 convening is intentionally small and focused on decision-makers in funding, policy, and system adoption. But this is just the beginning. Future phases will invite broader participation—including builders, researchers, youth advocates, and others helping to shape, test, and expand the blueprint.
How is MCert different from other mental health initiatives?
MCert is focused on uniting the mental health ecosystem around shared language and clear standards, and defined outcomes. We’re not tied to one stakeholder- we’re committed to building a trusted, neutral framework that clears a pathway for trust and adoption across systems.
How will MCert impact startups and digital tool creators?
By defining meaningful outcomes and creating a clear path to validation, MCert hopes to help startups build with clarity and confidence—knowing what benchmarks to aim for and how to gain traction with users, health systems and government.
How can I get involved with MCert’s mission?
Right now you can participate by signing up for our quarterly emails (we promise not to overload your inbox!) and following us on LinkedIn for updates. Sign up here—we’re building this movement together.
What is MCert?
MCert is a multi-phase initiative aimed at creating a unified standard for digital mental health tools. We're collaborating with leaders across public health, technology, and policy to define what “good” looks like and make digital mental health support safer, more effective, and easier to access.
What is the MCert Convening?
The MCert Convening is an event where health leaders, technologists, researchers, and policymakers come together to share input on evidence-based standards for subclinical digital mental health tools. It’s part think tank, part action plan.
Should I attend the convening?
The 2026 convening is intentionally small and focused on decision-makers in funding, policy, and system adoption. But this is just the beginning. Future phases will invite broader participation—including builders, researchers, youth advocates, and others helping to shape, test, and expand the blueprint.
How is MCert different from other mental health initiatives?
MCert is focused on uniting the mental health ecosystem around shared language and clear standards, and defined outcomes. We’re not tied to one stakeholder- we’re committed to building a trusted, neutral framework that clears a pathway for trust and adoption across systems.
How will MCert impact startups and digital tool creators?
By defining meaningful outcomes and creating a clear path to validation, MCert hopes to help startups build with clarity and confidence—knowing what benchmarks to aim for and how to gain traction with users, health systems and government.
How can I get involved with MCert’s mission?
Right now you can participate by signing up for our quarterly emails (we promise not to overload your inbox!) and following us on LinkedIn for updates. Sign up here—we’re building this movement together.
