Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a moment of reflection—it’s a call to action. As rates of anxiety, depression, and stress continue to climb across age groups and demographics, it’s clear the traditional systems of care can no longer meet the growing demand. What’s needed is innovation that’s not only scalable and evidence-based, but deeply human.
At TMC Innovation, we are proud to support a new wave of founders, advisors, and partners who are reimagining mental health care from the inside out. Embedded in the heart of the Texas Medical Center—where more than 10 million patient encounters take place each year—we see firsthand the urgent need for change. And we’re committed to being part of the solution.
A Crisis in Need of New Solutions
The numbers speak for themselves: one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. Among youth, the statistics are even more alarming, with rates of depression and anxiety rising steadily in recent years. Access to care remains a challenge, and stigma continues to prevent many from seeking support.
The mental health crisis is not happening on the fringes. It’s in our homes, our schools, our hospitals, and our workplaces. And it demands more than incremental fixes—it requires bold thinking, fresh tools, and a commitment to putting people first.
Human-Centered Startups, Backed by Science
Innovation in mental health is thriving inside the TMC Innovation collective, where startups are building tools that go beyond traditional therapy models.
Manatee is one such company—designed specifically for children and families. The platform brings together therapy, parental support, and easy-to-use provider tools to create a wraparound experience for families navigating childhood mental health challenges.
“We built Manatee because the data is clear – family involvement dramatically improves child mental health,” says Damayanti Dipayana, CEO of Manatee. “Studies show that outcomes improve by 40% when parents are actively involved in their child’s care. Yet in 93% of therapy, parents are left out of the process. At Manatee we know mental health isn’t an individual journey—it’s a family one. We’re here to make sure we drive lasting change, and no one feels alone in the process.”
Guided by Experts Who Care
Behind every great startup is a network of support. At TMC Innovation, we connect founders with advisors who bring deep clinical experience and a passion for human-centered care. That includes licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and healthcare system leaders who help shape product development with empathy and expertise.
“Startups need to think not only about what works technically, scientifically, and clinically but also what works intuitively for all mental health end users – patients, providers, families, payors, etc.” says Dr. Michelle Patriquin, TMC Innovation advisor, Assistant Dean at UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences, and Co-Director of Research at the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center at UTHealth Houston. “Mental health is sensitive terrain. When you build products alongside end users, integrating their feedback from the beginning with the latest technology and science, you build something that truly lasts and effectively meets the needs of the mental health community.”
This guidance is especially crucial for mental health companies, where well-intentioned ideas must also be safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed.
Building Blocks of Healing: A LEGO Workshop with Dr. Shelly Clevenger
Mental health innovation doesn’t always look like an app or an algorithm. Sometimes, it looks like a pile of LEGO bricks and a quiet moment of mindfulness.
On May 8, TMC Helix Park hosted a special Mental Health Month workshop with Dr. Shelly Clevenger, professor and chair of the Victim Studies Department at Sam Houston State University. In partnership with the Houston Toy Museum, Dr. Shelly guided attendees through a therapeutic LEGO-building session aimed at exploring how hands-on play can support mental wellness.
“Sometimes, when you’re building Legos, you make a mistake and have to rebuild a section two or three times,” Dr. Shelly shared during the workshop. “That’s a metaphor for life—and how you take things, cope with them, and keep trying. Eventually, you will find success.”
As participants sorted pieces and clicked them into place, a calming focus settled over the room. Dr. Shelly explained that this kind of tactile, creative activity helps people with trauma, anxiety, and depression by offering a simple and meditative escape from overwhelming thoughts.
“When I sit down with LEGO, I’m just focused on the next step. It helps me deal with stress, because I can be fully present. That’s healing.”
The LEGO sets were donated by the Houston Toy Museum, further symbolizing how local partnerships can make room for joy and healing in unexpected places.
Innovation That Honors the Human Experience
While we support technology and programming, we never lose sight of the human experience. With more than 10 million patient interactions each year across the Texas Medical Center, we understand the emotional and mental toll that health challenges can bring. Whether it’s supporting a child’s resilience, helping a caregiver avoid burnout, or addressing isolation among older adults—mental well-being is woven into every patient journey.
And so, it’s woven into every part of TMC Innovation.
Mental health is not a sidebar—it’s central to how we thrive as individuals, families, and communities. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the startups, advisors, and partners who are reshaping what care can look like.
Because meeting this moment isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about creating a future where mental health care is accessible, personalized, and infused with dignity.
If you’re building in this space—or simply curious about what’s next—let’s connect.