We’re proud to share that the Brain Injury Neuropsychology Laboratory has received a Notice of Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support a groundbreaking new project aimed at improving access to mental health care for individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The project will be co-led by Amanda Rabinowitz, PhD, Associate Director of Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, in collaboration with Jenna Xu, CEO of Docbotic, a small business specializing in mental health chatbots.
Traumatic brain injury is a major public health concern that can profoundly affect mental health and quality of life. Many people with TBI experience depression and anxiety but face barriers to care, such as provider shortages, stigma, and transportation challenges—barriers that are even greater for people in minoritized communities.
To help close these gaps, the team will develop Betterbot, a text-based chatbot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver evidence-based behavioral activation therapy directly through mobile messaging. Designed with clinical oversight, Betterbot will provide individuals with access to structured, rewarding activities and motivational support at any time, supporting them as they navigate community life and daily routines.
In this first phase, researchers will work with individuals with TBI and care providers to co-design and refine the chatbot, ensuring it is user-friendly, culturally relevant, and safe. The goal is to create a scalable, equitable digital health solution that can be integrated into rehabilitation care pathways.
“Our vision with Betterbot is to make mental health care more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of people with brain injury,” said Dr. Rabinowitz. “Our development is guided by a cautious approach to AI that is: 1) specific: tailored to the needs of people with brain injury; 2) reliable: consistent in responses and guidance; 3) private and trustworthy: with securely handled data and transparent limits; and 4) co-designed: built with end-user input at every step.” This project represents an important step toward bridging the gap between evidence-based mental health care and underserved populations—advancing health equity for people with disabilities.
Building on a multi-year collaboration between Dr. Rabinowitz and Ms. Xu, this project extends a successful partnership that has already produced other innovative mobile health tools currently being tested in an ongoing clinical trial. The team is also pleased to welcome consultants Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD, of the University of Texas and Shannon Jeungst, PhD, of TIRR Memorial Hermann, who will contribute their expertise in developing accessible and inclusive mobile health solutions.
This is the first-ever NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to be awarded for a project in collaboration with a faculty member at our Institute. It is a testament to Dr. Rabinowitz’s innovative research as well as her dedication to developing novel interventions and translating them into real-world solutions for people living with brain injury.