California Trail Blazers

Local Getaways, Spring 2022 | Promotion

Wellify Teen

Sally Newson, Founder

Is this typical teen behavior or something more?

Sally Newson is the Founder and Executive Director of Wellify Teen, a Marin County nonprofit dedicated to teen mental health care solutions, which offers a 4Help program providing a free, immediate, clinical assessment for teens at risk for a diagnosable mental health condition. Wellify Teen is also developing a 4Teens 24/7 mental health support app with digital therapeutic tools. Her passion for connecting and serving others is also evidenced in the types of for-profit businesses she has founded, including Mind Tank HQ (private office communities), Story-SF (brand storytelling), Design Temps (creative staffing), and the Village Corner store in Ross. An active philanthropist, Newson works to advance opportunities for the underserved, focusing on mental health, women representation, minimum wage increases, autism education, and youth active living. She is involved in Marin-based energy bar company, JAMBAR, which gives 50% of net proceeds to music and active living nonprofits.

Why did you decide to pursue this line of work?

I initially launched Wellify Teen (wellifyteen.org) to help parents of teens who are struggling with significant mental health issues to navigate from "Is this typical teen behavior or something more?" to finding local Marin County resources, regardless of income.

Where did your passion originate?

As a highly-resourceful entrepreneur, when I couldn't figure out how to best help my teen and find the correct treatment- she was suffering from what we would later discover was mental illness - I knew I needed to create a way to help other families.

What is your favorite pastime when you are not working?

Running along the gorgeous Tiburon waterfront, hiking with my hiking club, checking out all these great new restaurants popping up around Marin and day tripping through the back roads of West Marin and Sonoma County!

Advice to others?

Symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled during the pandemic for youth across the country. It's hard for parents to know the severity of these symptoms and how to best support their teen. Early identification assessment for correct treatment can literally be a lifesaver.

Wellify Teen • Founder Sally Newson • 415.847.2534 • Sally@wellifyteen.org • wellifyteen.org