Akron Children's Hospital is teaming up with Woebot Health to create an emotional support tool for treating anxiety, depression and other similar symptoms.

This 24/7 care comes through an app prescribed to those between the ages of 13 to 17, where they can learn how to cope with the issues of life in a way that's comfortable for them.

"What this chatbot does is it converses with the child, gives them educational tips, gives them coping tips," Eva Szigethy, Lois C. Orr Chair of Pediatric Psychiatry at Akron Children's, said.

If symptoms get worse or the teen is feeling suicidal, the app constantly reminds them that there are mental health resources out there to help and encourages them to reach out.

"We've seen mental health issues depression, anxiety on the rise particularly in this adolescent age group the 13 to 17 year old age group," Szigethy said. "We know that the supply of therapists out there, the supply of child psychiatrists out there can't keep up with demand," she said.

This is why Szigethy says the tool is necessary. If there's an immediate issue that a teen can't wait weeks and even months to get in and see a therapist for, this app is accessible at all times to help ease the burden.

"That supportive conversation links them to a whole group of coping skills within the app," Szigethy said. "Things like not just tracking their mood, but challenging their thoughts, feelings and behaviors using cognitive behavioral techniques, gratitude journaling," she said.

Szigethy tells 21 News the app might make teens feel more comfortable opening up since they're more used to texting than face to face or video interaction with therapists.

"The more kids that can turn to this app instead of reaching for that pill or reaching for that alcohol to cope, is a huge win," Szigethy said.

Rollout will happen in stages beginning in Alliance, Ashland, and Perry in October and then eventually in all 42 Akron Children's locations.