YKChat has been launched – a new virtual assistant for physical and mental health for adolescents and young people

Chișinău, 12 June – A new digital tool dedicated to the health and well-being of adolescents and young people in the Republic of Moldova – YKChat – has been launched recently. The first adolescents have already accessed the new service – a clear signal that accessible, anonymous, and empathetic support is a real need for the new generation.

This new virtual assistant is an extension of the Support Line 0 800 800 22 and provides free, anonymous, and empathetic assistance to all adolescents aged 10 to 24, covering key areas such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health, puberty development, violence prevention, emotional crisis management, and substance use.

The chat was developed by the NEOVITA National Resource Center for Youth-Friendly Health Services, in partnership with UNICEF, with support from the Government of Germany (GFFO) and the Government of the United States, through the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM). The launch event took place on 30 May, during the Open Doors Day at the NEOVITA Center, which also marked the center’s 23rd anniversary. The event brought together development partners, donors, institutional collaborators, and civil society representatives in an interactive format that encouraged collaboration.

Angela Capcelea, Head of the Health Section at UNICEF, who was invited to the event, stated:
"There are two key stages in childhood for reaching one's full potential: the early years of life and, later, starting around the age of 10. This age represents a second opportunity to stimulate development and build adolescents' coping mechanisms. It is essential that they are supported in making their own decisions, participating in community life, and not remaining passive. YKChat is an innovative model that addresses these adolescent needs, helping to reinforce the perception that the adolescent is not alone, that there are services created for them, and that they can be heard immediately, in real time."

Angela Capcelea also emphasized the importance of expanding these services to young people living in rural areas, where physical access to the 41 Youth Klinic centers is limited: "That is why alternative models – the helpline, mobile teams, and now YKChat – are essential. They bring services closer to young people, right where they are: in the digital space."

Galina Leșco, Head of the NEOVITA National Resource Center for Youth-Friendly Health Services, sees the expansion of support for adolescents through YKChat as a natural and necessary step:
“Many young people do not feel comfortable speaking on the phone or may not have the possibility to make a call. Through this platform, we are meeting them where they are, offering a safe, accessible, and empathetic alternative for seeking help when they need it most. YKChat builds a bridge between young people and professionals, providing competent responses, preventing critical situations, and strengthening access to quality information. It is an essential step toward a digitalized and youth-centered support network.”

Why YKChat?

The experience gained through the YK Support Line has revealed a significant shift in young people's behavior: over 60% of adolescents prefer written communication, particularly through social media. YKChat responds to this real need by providing an accessible, intuitive, and safe platform where young people can explore frequently asked questions on their own or request personalized support from doctors, psychologists, and social workers.

YKChat – available directly on platforms where young people feel at ease

The virtual assistant YKChat is available on Telegram and can also be accessed easily via Instagram or Facebook – social networks where young people already spend time and feel comfortable. This ensures that support reaches them directly in their familiar digital spaces, exactly when they need it most.

The platform provides an experience tailored to the real needs of adolescents and youth:

• Quick information access – users can explore expert-validated answers to frequently asked questions on their own;
• One-on-one conversations – users can anonymously consult with trained counselors, who may refer them to the Support Line (0 800 800 22), one of the 41 Youth Klinic centers in the country (yk.md), a mobile YK team, or a specialist within the YK network;
• Real human support – conversations take place in friendly, empathetic, age-appropriate language, without judgment or labeling.

YKChat aims to make access to support a natural, convenient, and trustworthy experience, aligned with the digital pace of the new generation.

An initiative co-created with young people

The service was initially piloted, and its structure, communication style, and response formats were developed and refined through consultation with the Youth Klinic Moldova Advisory Council, composed of young people. This participatory process helped align the service with the real needs of adolescents and contributed to the creation of a safe, empathetic, and relevant space where the voices of young people truly matter.

Available 24/7, YKChat offers a confidential and nonjudgmental space, rapid support during moments of vulnerability, and evidence-based responses from trained professionals.

Access YKChat – your virtual assistant for mental and physical health.