The Science Behind O2
At O2, every feature is born from a critical need to address the growing mental health crisis among children. In recent years, mental health cases have surged to alarming levels, and the suicide rate among youth has tragically skyrocketed, making it one of the leading causes of death for children. This reality demands urgent, science-backed interventions—and O2 is here to meet that need.
Why O2 is a necessity
Why O2 is Needed:
The Crisis in Numbers: One in five children is diagnosed with a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in children, highlighting the critical need for effective interventions.
The Science of Mental Health: Studies show that immersive experiences, such as those using augmented and extended reality (AR/XR), can significantly reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and promote feelings of safety and connection.
Research-Driven Fundamentals
Sound Therapy: Backed by studies showing its ability to calm the nervous system, sound therapy uses specific frequencies to reduce anxiety and improve focus and relaxation.
Art Therapy: Decades of research have proven that creative expression is a powerful tool for managing emotions, reducing stress, and fostering resilience, especially in pediatric patients.
Community Connection: Social support has been shown to be one of the most significant protective factors in mental health. O2 fosters safe connections through virtual communities, reducing feelings of isolation.
Nature Replication: Exposure to nature, even in virtual form, has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels, lower heart rates, and increase feelings of peace and hope.
The Next Generation
A Future of Hope
O2’s approach integrates these evidence-based methods into one seamless platform. By combining digital therapeutics, telehealth, and creative interventions, O2 doesn’t just aim to treat mental health issues—it strives to prevent them, offering children, families, and healthcare providers the tools they need to thrive.
O2 is committed to translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions that inspire wellness, connection, and hope for the next generation.
Backed By Evidence
Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
According to the CDC, youth suicide rates have increased by 56% over the last decade. One in five children struggles with a mental health condition, and nearly 75% of those do not receive adequate treatment.
O2 directly addresses this gap with accessible, engaging, and effective tools tailored to the unique emotional and cognitive needs of children.
Pioneering Digital Therapeutics
Research into digital therapeutics has shown that integrating technology with therapy leads to improved mental health outcomes. XR and AR technologies engage children in ways that traditional therapies cannot, providing a modern, engaging approach to mental health care.
Holistic Healing Through Multisensory Engagement
O2’s combination of sound, art, and community therapies aligns with studies on multisensory healing, which show that engaging multiple senses simultaneously improves emotional regulation and overall mental health.
Pediatric Hospitalizations:
Prevalence: In 2019, there were approximately 5.2 million pediatric hospitalizations in the United States. Notably, newborns and infants under 1 year accounted for 76.7% of these hospital stays, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group.
Mental Health Admissions: Recent data indicates a concerning rise in mental health-related hospital visits among children. Emergency department discharges for mental health cases were 20% higher in 2022 compared to 2019, underscoring the growing mental health challenges faced by young individuals.
Suicide Rates:
Youth Suicide Trends: Suicide has become a leading cause of death among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in the United States. The suicide rate for young Americans aged 10-24 years has risen by 56% between 2014 and 2024, with a particularly sharp rise of 78% among Black youth.
Preteen Concerns: Alarmingly, suicide rates among U.S. preteens aged 8 to 12 have escalated by an average of 8.2% annually from 2008 to 2022, with a marked rise among girls. This trend emphasizes the need for early mental health interventions.
Mental Health Disorders:
Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States, totaling around 7.7 million individuals under 18, are affected by mental and behavioral health conditions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, leading to a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health.
Treatment Gaps: Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions, there is a significant shortage of mental health providers. In the United States, there is just one available mental health provider for every 350 people, making it challenging for children, especially from lower-income families, to receive effective treatment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following Hospitalization:
Prevalence in Hospitalized Children: Studies indicate that 35% to 62% of children exhibit post-traumatic stress symptoms following hospital admission, particularly after intensive care stays or traumatic injuries.
Risk Factors: Factors such as the severity of illness, invasive procedures, and the presence of delusional memories during hospitalization increase the likelihood of developing PTSD in pediatric patients.
Long-Term Impact: Children experiencing PTSD post-hospitalization may face challenges including depression, anxiety, reduced functional capacity, and diminished quality of life, extending the impact of their initial medical condition.
